Lupinus caudatus subsp. caudatus, commonly known as Tailcup Lupine, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, forest edges, and scrublands in the western United States, particularly in California and Oregon. It typically grows to a height of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) and a width of 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters). The plant has a striking appearance with its palmate leaves and erect racemes of blue to violet flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer and are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Tailcup Lupine is valued for its showy flowers and ability to adapt to a range of garden settings. It is often used in native plant gardens, meadow plantings, and as a border plant. This lupine species is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in well-drained soils, preferring full sun to partial shade. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in overly moist conditions. Gardeners should be aware that Lupinus species contain alkaloids and can be toxic to livestock and pets if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0