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Oxytropis lambertii

Common Name    Crazy Pea

Family               Fabaceae (Legume family)

 

Description
Leaves pinnate with ?" lanceolate, gray-green pubescent leaflets born in basal cluster from which arises stem full with purple pea-like flowers.

Range
Throughout the Rocky Mountain region, 4,000 to 8,000ft.

Culture
Prefers well-drained soils, full sun, low-water.

Value
Both flowers and foliage make this a desirable perennial, the purple pea flowers are quite striking, and the two-ranked, compound (honeylocust-like) leaves are, in my mind, a fine-textured asset in the landscape. O. sericea identical except for white flowers. Not common in the trade.

Propagation
Because of their hard seed coat and dormancy these seeds need a hot water soak to start indoors. Start seed in the hottest tap water and soak for 72 hours. Rinse seed well and sow in container. Cover to depth. Germination takes place over 30 days. To sow outdoors place seeds in the desired location and cover with ?" soil. Fall or spring sowing will work however germination will be very sporadic over several years.

 

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A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.

        Aldo Leopold