Summer Lupine
(Lupinus formosus)
Summer Lupine (Lupinus formosus)
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Ken-ichi Ueda
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Ken-ichi Ueda
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Ken-ichi Ueda | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Ken-ichi Ueda | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-11-01T22:06:55Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Lupinus formosus, commonly known as Summer Lupine, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the chaparral and woodlands of California, extending into Northwest Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters). The plant features palmately compound leaves and produces showy spikes of purple flowers from late spring to early summer, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Summer Lupine is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in wildflower gardens, as a border plant, or for erosion control on slopes. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade and requires minimal water once established. It is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic, especially to livestock and pets, due to the presence of alkaloids. Caution should be exercised when planting in areas accessible to animals. Despite its toxicity, Summer Lupine is not typically prone to diseases or pests.CC BY-SA 4.0
Summer Lupine is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in wildflower gardens, as a border plant, or for erosion control on slopes. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade and requires minimal water once established. It is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic, especially to livestock and pets, due to the presence of alkaloids. Caution should be exercised when planting in areas accessible to animals. Despite its toxicity, Summer Lupine is not typically prone to diseases or pests.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Chaparral and woodlands of California extending into Northwest Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Western Lupine
Scientific Names: , Lupinus formosus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Lupinus formosus Greene