Collared/Truncated Lupine is a pretty, erect annual wildflower native to coastal and western California. It has bright green foliage and bears fragrant purple to magenta flowers on a central stalk rising above the foliage. The flowers bloom from March to May and attract bees and seed-eating birds. This lupine improves soil nitrogen and makes a nice addition to annual flower beds or large pots when massed. It requires full sun, well-drained soil, and good winter/spring rains.

1. Collared/Truncated Lupine – Lupinus truncatus
(loo-PIE-nus trun-KAY-tus)
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Native to: Coastal & western CA from central CA to Baja; openings in woodlands, chaparral, coastal
sage scrub, grasslands & burns below 3000' elevation.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous annual wildflower mature height:1-2 ft. mature width:1-2 ft.
Pretty, erect annual lupine. Shape is larger at the bottom tapering to the top (somewhat conical).
Foliage is bright green with typical lupine leaves (like an outstretched hand). Note: seeds and other
parts of all lupines are toxic if eaten.
Blooms in spring, often Mar-May in our area. Flowers have typical lupine form,
fragrant and change color from purple to violet/magenta. Flowers are sparse along a central stalk
that rises above the foliage. Quite showy particularly when massed. Seeds in hairy pods.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Nice addition to annual wildflower prairie/meadow.
Showy when massed in
flower beds. Look nice in large pots or planters. This species, like all lupines, improves the soil by
making nitrogen available to other plants. Place where you can enjoy the fragrance!
Sensible substitute for: Non-native lupines.
Attracts: Important nectar source for larger bees. Ground-feeding birds like doves eat the seed.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to light shade.
Any well-drained soil including moderately alkali (pH to 8.0)
Needs good winter/spring rains (supplement if needed); no water after blooming.
None needed
Somewhat more difficult to grow than other lupines. Plant in prepared ground in
See notes under seed propagation.
Management:
fall.
Propagation: from seed: to aid germination place seeds in a cup of hot (not boiling) water and let
seeds sit over night. Plant the next day.
Lightly cover seed or rake in lightly.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 10, 13, 16, 19
12/7/10
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