crazyweed
Noun: 1. A leguminous plant of western North America: Any of several species of plants belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae), found primarily in western North America. 2. A cause of locoism in livestock: These plants are known to contain toxins that can cause a chronic neurological disease called "locoism" when ingested by grazing animals such as cattle, sheep, and horses.
The term "crazyweed" is used specifically in the context of botany, agriculture, and veterinary science to identify a group of toxic plants. It is a common name, not a formal botanical genus.
- Noun:
- The rancher identified the toxic crazyweed growing near the water source.
- Locoweed is another common name for certain types of crazyweed.
- Ingestion of crazyweed can lead to severe weight loss and neurological damage in livestock.
- "Locoed" livestock: Animals suffering from locoism after eating crazyweed are sometimes described as being "locoed."
- The locoed horse exhibited strange, uncoordinated movements.
- Locoweed (n): A very common synonym for crazyweed. The terms are often used interchangeably.
- Locoism (n): The disease condition caused by the chronic poisoning from eating crazyweed/locoweed.
- Oxytropis / Astragalus (n): These are the two primary botanical genera to which plants called crazyweed or locoweed belong.
- Locoweed: The most direct synonym.
- Poison vetch: A descriptive name highlighting its toxic nature and plant family.
The name "crazyweed" derives from the observed effect ("crazy" or erratic behavior) the plant induces in poisoned animals. It is a compound word formed from "crazy" + "weed." Its usage is almost entirely confined to North American regions where the plant grows and poses a threat to livestock.
- any of several leguminous plants of western North America causing locoism in livestock