Flaigg, Norman G.
Lupinus texensis Hook.
Texas bluebonnet, Bluebonnet, Texas lupine, Buffalo clover, Wolf-flower
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Texas lupine has larger, more sharply pointed leaves and more numerous flower heads than similar lupines. Light-green, velvety, palmately
compound leaves (usually five leaflets) are born from branching, 6-18 in. stems. These stems are topped by clusters of up to 50 fragrant, blue, pea-like flowers. The tip of the cluster is conspicuously white.
This is the species often planted by highway departments and garden clubs and is one of the six
Lupinus species which are the state flower of Texas.
Image Gallery:
182 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Blue
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Distribution
USA: FL , LA , OK , TX
Native Distribution: South central to north central Texas mainly in the Blackland Prairie and Edwards Plateau. Planted extensively along roadsides in Texas and Oklahoma, though
endemic to Texas.
Native Habitat: Praires; open fields; roadsides
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Limestone/chalky, Sandy Loam, Limestone-based, Calcareous, Sandy, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Caliche
Conditions Comments: Not only does the state flower of Texas bloom oceans of blue, but this famous wildflower forms attractive rosettes in winter. This is the species often used by highway departments and garden clubs. If planting this species in areas where it has not formerly grown, it may be helpful to inoculate the soil with a
rhizobium (soil-borne bacteria which form nitrogen-rich root nodules) for lupines.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Wildflower meadow, Showy blooms ornamental, Easily grown
Use Wildlife: Bees
Warning: Plants in the
genus Lupinus, especially the seeds, can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Hairstreak butterfly, Elfin butterfly
Deer Resistant: Moderate
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Lupinus texensis is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2010-05-24
