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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Lupinus versicolor
Lupinus versicolor Lindl.
Bluff Lupine, Manycolored Lupine, Varicolored Lupine
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Synonym(s): Lupinus franciscanus, Lupinus littoralis var. variicolor, Lupinus micheneri, Lupinus varicolor, Lupinus variicolor
USDA Symbol: LUVE
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Sub-woody and behaving as a creeper, the branches of this lupine are often plastered against coastal bluffs. The gray-green leaves contract well with blue, purple, yellow, white or pink flowers. There are often several colors in one flower. Stems are 8-30 in. long.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Stems prostrate to decumbent, up to about 30 inches long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , Yellow , Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: Coastal areas from Humboldt to San Luis Obispo Cos.
Native Habitat: Grassy fields, slopes & sand dunes below 1000 ft.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Description: Sandy soils.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial Value to Bumble Bees
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Sow fresh seed in fall; treated seed in spring.Seed Treatment: Stored seed requires acid or hot water scarification.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Additional resources
USDA: Find Lupinus versicolor in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Lupinus versicolor in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lupinus versicolor
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff