1. Arroyo (Succulent) Lupine – Lupinus succulentus
(lu-PINE-us suc-yew-LEN-tus)
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Native to: California west of Sierras; AZ and Baja CA. Grows in many plant communities in open
and disturbed areas, road banks, heavy soils of grassy slopes and flats.
Growth characteristics: annual wildflower
mature height: 18-36 in. mature width: 24-36
in.
Large, fast-growing annual wildflower with succulent stems and large “lupine” leaves.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms mid-winter through mid-spring. Blue-purple pea-type flowers are born on
upright stalks. Very showy and fragrant.
Flowers become darker after pollination.
Uses in the garden: Good for quick color. Good choice for moist areas, waste areas, rocky sites,
slope stabilization, wildflower meadows/swales and mixed flower beds. Good as ground cover - and
has added benefit of nixing soil nitrogen (improves soil fertility). Great along roadsides.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native lupines such as Russell Lupine which are not native to S. Bay.
Attracts: native bees, hummingbirds use flowers; larval food source for many butterflies.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Any soil; any pH is fine, including alkali
Infrequent waterings as necessary (most water tolerant of local lupines), but no
added water required. Grows larger with watering.
None needed
Management:
Easy to grow. Will reseed unless out-competed by grasses.
Rake area in fall to
disturb soil.
Propagation: from seed: sow in garden late fall/winter. Soaking seeds in warm water for 1-3 hr.
aids germination.
Use only fresh seed.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 5, 6, 10, 13, 16
12/19/05
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