There are a couple interesting members of the pea family that are or will be flowering near you soon. Both may be found across the state on upland prairie.
One of these species, Lambert crazyweed (Oxytropis lambertii) is toxic to livestock. The other species Groundplum milkvetch (Astragalus crassicarpus) could provide you with something interesting to much on.
Lambert crazyweed, also known as purple loco is a native, herbaceous perennial, from a woody taproot. It may be found on upland prairie across the state, particularly on the drier hillsides and hill tops. The leaves are spreading and grow upwards to perhaps six inches. The flowers are reddish-purple, bluish-purple or perhaps whitish. They are produced in clusters near the top of the flower stalk about a foot tall. An important identification characteristic is the keel or lower-most petal, which is generally blunt in members of the pea family, but in Oxytropis forms a distinctive point at the tip.
Lambert crazyweed is generally not eaten by livestock (e.g. cattle, sheep, and horses), but if forage is in short supply it may be grazed. If so, and there is a good population of the crazyweed in a pasture, the animals will begin to crave it, consume large amounts of it, and as the name implies may drive them “crazy.” Horses, spook easily, bolt, and generally act as if they have poor vision. Eventually they may be unable to eat or drink, and lose coordination. It can be fatal, but I have not heard of any livestock or horse mortality here in North Dakota.
Groundplum milkvetch, sometimes called buffalo bean is one of several members of the genus Astragalus native to North Dakota. It is a native, herbaceous perennial with typically lots of spreading, prostrate stems. The stems may spread out to cover the ground for a couple feet in diameter.
Groundplum milkvetch gets its common name because the fruits are said to resemble small plums. Perhaps a better analogy would be that they are really big oval shaped peas, about an inch long, that turn red at maturity. They also get quite woody when mature. But if you can find them when they are young and green, and perhaps a tint of red developing, they are actually quite tasty little treats. The taste reminds me of fibrous sting beans or peas.
Chuck Lura
Natural North Dakota is supported by NDSU Central Grasslands Research Extension Center and Dakota College at Bottineau, and by the members of Prairie Public. Thanks to Sunny 101.9 in Bottineau for their recording services.
