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Native Plant Database

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Lupinus caudatus (Tailcup lupine)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Lupinus caudatus Kellogg

Tailcup lupine

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Synonyms: Lupinus caudatus ssp. caudatus, Lupinus rosei

USDA Symbol: LUCA

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A silky perennial, the simple or branched stems 8-24 in. tall. The palmately compound leaves are often silvery with their silky hairs. Individual flowers are scattered on the 2-6 in. spikes. Petals are violet-blue to deep blue or almost white. The ensuing pinkish-brown pods are also silky.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf: Green
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NE , NM , NV , OR , SD , UT , WY
Native Distribution: E. CA to e. OR & NV; also reported in MT
Native Habitat: Sagebrush plains & hills; ponderosa pine forests
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Benefit

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

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Special Value to Bumble Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Not Available
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Lupinus caudatus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Lupinus caudatus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lupinus caudatus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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