1. Bajada Lupine – Lupinus concinnus
(loo-PIE-nus kon-SIN-us)
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Native to: Southwestern U.S. and adjacent Mexico. In CA, southwestern to central-western areas;
sandy desert areas, open grasslands, other open or disturbed areas, burns.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous annual wildflower
mature height:<1 ft. mature width: <1 ft.
Upright to sprawling annual wildflower with typical palmate (like an open hand) lupine leaves. Entire
plant quite hairy/wooly. Unusual & attractive looking. Seeds germinate with winter rains.
Spring-blooming, usually Feb. or Mar. to May – depends on winter/spring rains.
Flowers are red-purple to pink, with white central dots. Flower shape typical of Pea Family.
Flowering stalks relatively short with flowers well-spaced along them.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Often used with other annual wildflowers in a wildflower ‘prairie’. Would look
great in a rock garden or in pots on a sunny porch. Nice along a garden path, where small plants
can be accented. Great cover for native bulbs/corms; good between native bunchgrass clumps.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native annual lupines.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides seeds for doves & other ground foragers.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Well-drained; sandy or gravelly soils are best.
Needs good winter/spring water during growth period; no water after flowering.
None; plants actually improve available soil nitrogen
Treat like any other annual wildflower. Let seeds spread naturally or harvest pods
when slightly green. Store pods in tightly closed paper bag in a dry place until pods open.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: sow fresh seed in place; no treatment needed. Hot water soak for stored
seeds to increase germination.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 10, 19
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