Arroyo Lupine (Lupinus succulentus)

Arroyo or succulent lupine (Lupinus succulentus) is an annual with dark green six-fingered leaves and spikes of purple-blue flowers that bloom in winter to spring. Sometimes flowers are shades of light purple, pink, and white. It grows fast to reach 2 to 4 feet  tall and 3 feet wide. The fruit is a hairy legume pod. Caution: seeds, leaves and stems are toxic. This plant is popular in gardens because it is the most water-tolerant of all lupines. It prefers full sun and moist clay or heavy soils. The amount of fertility and moisture generally dictates the height of the plant. The seed germinates easily in any season given enough water. Seeds can be treated before planting by pouring hot water over them in a cup and allowing them to soak. They should be planted about a quarter inch deep. The plants compete with weeds and add nitrogen to the soil. Sow in a mass for best effect. From Calscape.

Grower: Larner Seeds

Other Names Used: Hollowleaf Annual Lupine, Succulent Lupine

Family: Fabaceae

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

Bloom Period: Summer Winter, Spring (February to March)

Bloom Color(s): Purple, Blue, White 

Plant Height: 2-4 feet tall

Plant Width: 3 feet wide

California Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• Central Valley
• Sierra Foothills
• Central California Coast
• Southern Coast

Ecological Benefits:

• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife

Ecological Functions:

• Grows in Containers

Habitat Type:

• Chaparral
• Coastal Grassland
• Valley Grassland
• Oak Woodland 
• Mixed Evergreen Forest

Human Uses/Cautions: 

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: Fresh seeds don't need pretreatment. Older seeds can be soaked in hot water for one hours to increase germination success.