Hollowleaf Annual Lupine

Lupinus succulentus

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
feb, mar, apr, may
Bloom Colors:
Blue, Purple

Native Range

United States: Arizona, 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

Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme), Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus), West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella), Western Blue (Plebejus icarioides)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Common in coastal and riparian areas

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Surface sterilize seed coats with a 5 minute 5% bleach solution soak. Follow this with a 2 hour hot water scarification treatment to maximize germination rates.

Establishment: Arroyo lupine is an annual species found throughout southern California and the Channel islands. It inhabits open grassy slopes and rocky ridges. Pods are hand collected when fully matured, typically from late May to June.

Source: npn.rngr.net