Locoweed
Astragalus spp. and Oxytropis spp. (certain species)
- Plant type
- forb
- Settings
- Rangeland
- Risk
- High risk Our rating from the cited sources.
- Review
- Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian.
Photos
Planned.
How to tell it
Low tufted plants with pinnately compound leaves and sweet-pea-like flowers, blue, purple, yellow or white (ARS).
Look-alikes: Planned.
What to do on a site walk
- Avoid unit or fence off.
- Pull any goat that starts seeking it out.
Why it matters
- Toxic principle
- Swainsonine
- Toxic parts
- Whole plant, green or dry
- Basis for our rating
- Chewgrass rating. ARS names goats among animals poisoned; Langston advises keeping pregnant does off locoweed and milkvetch.
Signs in goats
Slow onset after 2 to 3 weeks of grazing: depression, dull coat, staring eyes, odd gait, nervousness, weight loss, abortion and birth defects (ARS).
If you think an animal has been poisoned, call your vet right away.
Season
Toxic at all growth stages and all year, including dry stalks; eaten most when green while other forage is dry (ARS).
Sources
Links last checked: 2026-10-31