Longleaf Bush Lupine

Lupinus longifolius

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun
Bloom Colors:
Blue, Violet

Native Range

United States: California

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

Areniscythris brachypteris, Chionodes braunella, cosmopolitan walshia moth (Walshia miscecolorella), Epinotia infuscana, Genista Broom Moth (Uresiphita reversalis), orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia franciscana), Painted Tiger Moth (Arachnis picta), Rhamphura ochristriata, Sparganothis senecionana, Syncopacma metadesma, Syncopacma nigrella, toothed somberwing (Euclidia cuspidea), Arrowhead Blue (Glaucopsyche piasus), Western Blue (Plebejus icarioides)

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 coastal areas, 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 germination.

Source: OpenAI GPT-4o