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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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

Lupinus caudatus

Lupinus caudatus Kellogg

Tailcup Lupine

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: LUCA

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

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

2 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Leaf: Green

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

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Well-drained soils.

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

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 on display at the following locations:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

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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