Miniature Lupine
Lupinus bicolor
Also known as: Congdon's Lupine
(c) Caleb Catto, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Lupinus
- Species:
- Lupinus bicolor
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 1-2 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may, jun
- Bloom Colors:
- Blue
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Canada: British Columbia
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
- Bee Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in open, disturbed areas.
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are sown into cone-tainers filled with Sunshine #1 (a soil-less peat-based media) amended with micro-nutrients (Micromax) and a slow release fertilizer (Osmocote 14-14-14).
Establishment: Seeds are collected between May 6th and May 26th when the pods turn dark brown to black. The species is found in sandy places below 3,000 feet elevation; from Humboldt County to British Columbia.
Source: npn.rngr.net