1. Silver Dune Lupine – Lupinus chamissonis
(loo-PIE-nus sham-i-SO-nis)
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Native to: Coastal CA from Los Angeles to Marin Co.; native to sandy beaches and dunes, along the
coastal strand.
perennial shrub/sub-shrub
mature height:3-5 ft. mature width: 3-6 ft.
Mounded half-woody shrub, with densely-branched foliage. Foliage is silvery white – very attractive.
Leaves are typical palmate-shaped lupine leaves. New growth is semi-woody (typical sub-shrub).
Drought-deciduous. Plant is more spreading (low growing) in very sandy soils. Note: all lupine
plants – particularly the pods and seeds – are toxic if eaten.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms early in our area – often Feb-April, but depends on the rains. Flowers are
an usually electric blue-violet (but may be lighter violet), held along stalks above the foliage. Very
showy in bloom, with numerous flowers blooming at once.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most useful as a silvery accent shrub in gardens with sandy soils. Excellent
spring bloomer, contrasting with CA Encelia and CA Poppies. Excellent addition to water-wise beds
and in gardens featuring a Coastal Prairie/Shrubland Palette. Fine for immediate coastal areas –
adapted to maritime conditions; less good further inland.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Lupines.
Excellent habitat plant. Pollinators are large bees, but will attract others, including
hummingbirds. Provides cover and food for ground-foraging seed eating birds like doves.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Well-drained soils a must; sandy soils best. Any local pH is fine.
Zone 1 to 2; summer water only when soils have dried out.
none
Plants resent root disturbance - plant when young. Plants susceptible to caterpillar
attack – remove caterpillars when first sighted. Cut back hard in winter at time of first new growth.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: scarify & hot water soak; consider planting in situ
by cuttings: probably
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 8, 10, 11, 14, 20, 24
12/9/10
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