Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Lupinus lepidus, the Pacific lupine, prairie lupine or dwarf lupine is a perennial herbaceous plant in the pea family (Fabaceae) endemic to western North America. Lupinus lepidus is a small hairy perennial that reaches 4 to 24 inches (10 to 61 cm). Leaves extend up the stem, but most are basal. Leaves are palmately compound with 5-8 green-gray leaflets less than 1 1-2 inches (3. 8 cm). The inflorescense is a dense spikelike raceme, with pink, purple, and blue flowers having a yellowish spot. The plant blooms from mid-April through August. The fruit is a pod up to 3-4 inch (1. 9 cm).

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

4 - 24 in Tall

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Color

Blue, Lavender, Purple, Pink, Yellow

Special uses

Lawn alternative

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Moderate

Propagation

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

Site type

Open places

Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 43 likely

Confirmed Likely

Lupine Dagger

Acronicta lupini

Agrochola purpurea

Painted Tiger Moth

Arachnis picta