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Smith, R.W.

Lupinus pusillus

Lupinus pusillus Pursh

Rusty Lupine

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: lupu

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

Rusty lupine is less than 1 ft. tall. Its stems branch near soil level and are covered with scurfy, rust-colored hairs. Flowers vary from deep, purplish-blue to white. Palmate foliage is shiny on top; hairy beneath.

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Annual
Habit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Up to about 9 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Blue
Bloom Time: May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , KS , MT , ND , NE , NM , NV , OK , OR , SD , UT , WA , WY
Canada: AB , SK
Native Distribution: C. WA to AZ, e. to s. Sask., w. ND & n.w. OK
Native Habitat: Sandy prairies; dunes; stream valleys; roadsides

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, sandy soils.

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.

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2015-03-17
Research By: TWC Staff

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