Safety note: Toxic to livestock and horses, causing 'locoism' (neurological disorder) when consumed repeatedly.
Purple Locoweed is a native perennial wildflower of dry plains and shortgrass prairies with silvery, hairy leaves and showy purple pea-like flowers. Despite its attractive appearance, it is toxic to horses, cattle, and sheep when consumed regularly, causing a selenium-like neurological condition. It is an important nitrogen-fixer in prairie soils.
Habitat
Dry shortgrass prairies, hillsides, and rangelands of the Great Plains
Diet
Flowers provide nectar for native bees; nitrogen-fixing roots benefit prairie community
How common
Common
Recent Purple Locoweed sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Purple Locoweed? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free