Yellowflower Locoweed
Oxytropis monticola
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Yellowflower Locoweed (Oxytropis monticola) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CO, ID, MT, ND and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Mountain locoweed is a low-growing native wildflower that forms compact mounds with silvery-green compound leaves. It produces clusters of purple or pink pea-like flowers from June through August, creating attractive color in dry sunny areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Yellowflower Locoweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Contains toxic compounds that make it unsuitable for front yards
- Common name includes 'locoweed' which may concern neighbors
- Can appear weedy to those unfamiliar with native plants
Wildlife value
This plant provides nectar for native bees during summer months. The flowers are particularly valuable for specialist pollinators that depend on legume family plants.
Common questions
- How much sun does Yellowflower Locoweed need?
- Yellowflower Locoweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Yellowflower Locoweed bloom?
- Yellowflower Locoweed blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Yellowflower Locoweed native?
- Yellowflower Locoweed (Oxytropis monticola) is native to CO, ID, MT, ND and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Yellowflower Locoweed attract?
- Yellowflower Locoweed draws bees.
- Is Yellowflower Locoweed HOA-friendly?
- Yellowflower Locoweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Yellowflower Locoweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz