1. Broadleaf/Parish’s Lupine – Lupinus latifolius
(loo-PIE-nus la-ti-FO-lee-us)
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Coastal & Transverse mountain ranges of CA N. to British Columbia. Locally in San
Fernando Valley, Santa Monica & San Gabriel mountains; grows in moist places in woods, shady to
open areas, many plant communities below 8000 ft. elevation.
Native to:
perennial sub-shrub
mature height: 3-4 ft.
mature width: 4-6 ft.
Shrubby, mounded sub-shrub with bushy, dense growth habit. Leaves typical palmate-shaped for
lupines, gray-green and drought deciduous (loses leaves during summer/fall dry season). Plant
reseeds and also regenerates by sprouting from spreading roots. Note: the foliage – and particularly
the pod & seeds – of all lupines are toxic if eaten.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring, usually April-May locally. Flowers are fragrant, pink-blue,
densely situated along tall flowering stalks. Ssp. parishii is particularly showy!!
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used as an accent plant in water-wise gardens. Great plant for
hillsides & slopes. Great for attracting butterflies!
Plant where you can enjoy the scented flowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native perennial lupines.
Attracts: Excellent bird and butterfly habitat: provides nectar and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to light shade (probably best)
Well-drained; sandy or garden loams best
Takes a little more water than many lupines (Zone 2 to 2-3) but quite drought
tolerant. Best if deeply water when soil becomes dry.
None needed.
Likes an organic mulch.
Management:
Old flowering heads can be removed for neatness. Cut back to the base in late fall
to winter.
Propagation: from seed: use fresh seed; hot water treatment by cuttings: root cuttings in winter
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 11, 19
1/30/11
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