Manycolored Lupine
Lupinus versicolor
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Lupinus
- Species:
- Lupinus versicolor
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 2-3 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr, may, jun, jul
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Pink, Yellow, Blue, Purple
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
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal areas with poor soil fertility
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Wash seeds in a 5% bleach solution for 1 minute, then dry. Place seeds in a sterile rock tumbler with sterile, sharp edged rocks and tumble for 72 hours. If seeds are not scratched, tumble for another 36 hours. Remove seeds and soak in fresh water overnight. Seeds which have imbibed are ready to sow. Seeds which remain hard should be tumbled for another 72 hours.
Establishment: Seeds are collected between April 1st and July 1st. Mature pods are brown. Pods can be collected early if at least 4 inches of stem is collected with the pods. Pods will dry and open at room temperature. Seed is greenish brown at maturity. L. versicolor is found below 1,000 feet elevation; from Humboldt County to San Luis Obispo, California.
Source: npn.rngr.net