Grape Soda Lupine

Lupinus excubitus

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Lupinus
Species:
Lupinus excubitus

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may, jun
Bloom Colors:
Purple
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: California, Nevada

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

Arrowhead Blue (Glaucopsyche piasus), Western Blue (Plebejus icarioides)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid desert regions; prefers open, sunny locations

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Scarify, then cold-moist stratify for 60 days.

Notes: Seeds may require light for optimal germination.

Source: OpenAI GPT-4o