Mojave Lupine

Lupinus odoratus

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Lupinus
Species:
Lupinus odoratus
USDA Symbol:
LUOD

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow, purple, blue, lavender

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 low fertility

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 14–30 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination. Seeds may also benefit from soaking in warm water for 24 hours before stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Single-step cold-moist stratification for temperate woodland species. for 60–120 days

Source: Claude AI