Big Bend Bluebonnet

Lupinus havardii

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Lupinus
Species:
Lupinus havardii
USDA Symbol:
LUHA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
feb,mar,apr,may
Bloom Colors:
blue, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid regions, prefers open, sunny locations

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 14–30 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination. Seeds benefit from brief cold stratification after scarification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Inoculant

Establishment: Seeds were collected at NRCS James E. `Bud' Smith Plant Materials Center, Knox City, Texas on 5/05/1993. The plant is frequent in deserts, usually in alluvium or fine talus, south parts of Hudspeth, Presidio and Brewster Counties in the Trans-Pecos, spring; also Chihuahua.

Source: npn.rngr.net