Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Lupinus microcarpus (Wide-bannered lupine or Chick lupine), is a species of lupine native to western North America from southwestern British Columbia south to the Mojave Desert in California and Baja California, and also a disjunct population in South America in central Chile and western Argentina. It is very widespread in California, from sea level in the north of the range, up to 1600 meter in the southern part of the state. It is an annual plant growing to 80 centimeter tall. The leaves are palmately compound with 5-11 leaflets 1-5 centimeter long and up to 1 centimeter broad. The flowers are generally pink to purple in color, but can also be between white and yellow; they are produced in open whorls on an erect spike. There are three recognized varieties with overlapping ranges. It is found in many different habitats.

Plant type

Annual herb

Size

4 - 31 in Tall
1 ft Wide

Growth rate

Fast

Calscape icon
Color

White, Pink, Yellow, Purple

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Containers

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Moderate

Soil drainage

Fast, Medium, Slow

Soil description

Adaptable.

Propagation

For propagating by seed: Fresh seeds need no treatment. Stored seeds scarification or hot water.

Site type

Open or disturbed places

Use with any native annuals or herbaceous perennials

Bats
Birds
Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 53 likely

Confirmed Likely

Lupine Dagger

Acronicta lupini

Agrochola purpurea

Painted Tiger Moth

Arachnis picta