1. Miniature Lupine – Lupinus bicolor (ssp. microphyllus)
(loo-PIE-nus BI-kol-or)
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Native to: Much of California; often abundant in open areas, grasslands, foothills.
annual wildflower mature height: < 16 in.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Small annual lupine. Palmately compound leaves (like a hand) have 5 to 7 hairy leaflets with hairy
upper surfaces. Typically germinate with winter rains, die by summer.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms May-May in S. Bay. Showy small pea-like flowers in groups of 4-5, on
stalks above the leaves. Banner white with purple spots, wings purple. Attractive massed.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used in fronts of flower beds or annual wildflower prairies/meadows.
Attractive with yellow or white natives such as CA Poppy, Tidy-tips. Would do well in large pots and
planters. Like all plants in Pea family, lupines improve soil by increasing available nitrogen. Lupine
seeds toxic when eaten.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native lupines; other small blue-flowered annuals.
Doves and quail eat seeds. Important nectar source for native bees. Larval food plant
for Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme).
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Any well-drained soil
Adequate fall/winter rain; may need to supplement in spring for good flowering
None needed
Plant seeds in prepared beds in fall, just before rains begin. Pre-soak seeds in water
for 24 hours prior to planting. Withhold water as pods ripen. Re-seeds well.
Management:
Propagation: from seed:
allow pods to ripen on plants. Collect nearly dry pods in paper sack.
Allow pods to dry and release seeds in closed paper bags in dry place.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20
12/6/10
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