Many species of “locoweed” ranging in color from deep purple to creamy
white are found throughout the desert at nearly all elevations. They
sometimes create extensive mass displays but are more commonly found
mixed with other flowers. Species with bladder-like pods are called
“rattleweed.” Loco in Spanish means “crazy” and refers to the fact that
a number of species of _astragalus_ contain selenium, which causes a
serious disease among livestock, especially horses, that eat it and as a
result “act crazy.”
_Astragalus mollissimus_ Pea Family
[Illustration: WOOLLY LOCO]