1. Coulter’s Lupine – Lupinus sparsiflorus
(loo-PIE-nus spar-SIF-lor-us)
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Native to: Southwestern CA, NV & northern Sonora, Mexico; in washes, sandy areas and grassy
hillsides to about 4000 ft.
Our local sub-species is ssp. sparsiflorus.
herbaceous annual
mature height: 1-2 ft.
mature width: 2-3 ft.
Annual lupine with low-growing foliage. Leaves are typical for lupines, with velvety hairs. Foliage
medium green to slightly silvery in color. Note: the foliage -and particularly the pods & seeds - of all
Lupine species are toxic if eaten. This species is particularly so.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms late winter to early spring depending on rains (usually Jan-Mar in our area).
Flowers are usually a violet-blue with a white or yellow spot. Flowers are sparsely located along tall
upright flowering stalks (hence it’s alternate name of Sparse-flowered Lupine).
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Probably best used with other native wildflowers and native bunch grasses in a
native prairie or wildflower garden. Looks particularly nice with its natural partners such as CA
Poppy, Chia Sage, Baby Blue-eyes, Purple Owl’s Clover, Parry’s Phacelia and Deer Vetch. Fine with
native grasses on slopes and hillsides.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native annual Lupines.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant, providing nectar and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Well-drained including clays; any local pH
Like all native annuals, needs good winter rain/water; withhold water after flowering
ceases.
None.
Treat like other native annuals. To collect seed, gather pods while still barely
green. Place in sealed paper bag in dry place. Seeds will ripen and open, releasing seeds.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: use fresh seed; nick seed & give hot water treatment. Plant seeds in
place or transfer out when very small.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 10,16
1/30/09
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