Chick Lupine (Lupinus microcarpus)

Lupinus microcarpus (Wide-bannered lupine or Chick lupine), is a species of lupine native to western North America from southwestern British Columbia south to the Mojave Desert in California and Baja California, and also a disjunct population in South America in central Chile and western Argentina. It is very widespread in California, from sea level in the north of the range, up to 1600 meter in the southern part of the state. It is an annual plant growing to 80 centimeter tall. The leaves are palmately compound with 5-11 leaflets 1-5 centimeter long and up to 1 centimeter broad. The flowers are generally pink to purple in color, but can also be between white and yellow; they are produced in open whorls on an erect spike. There are three recognized varieties with overlapping ranges. It is found in many different habitats. Description from Calscape.

Grower: Larner Seeds

Other Names Used: 

Family: Fabaceae

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Sun Exposure: Full

Bloom Period: Spring, Summer (May to June)

Bloom Color(s): Yellow, White, Pink, Purple

Plant Height: 4-31 inches tall

Plant Width: 1 foot wide

California Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• North Coast
• Central Valley
• Sierra Foothills
• Sierra Nevada
• Central California Coast
• Southern Coast
• Southern California Inland
• Desert

Ecological Benefits:

• Drought Tolerant
  
• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife, bats
  

Ecological Functions:

• Grows in Containers
• Open, disturbed places

Habitat Type:

• Coastal Grassland
• Valley Grassland
  
• Oak Woodland

Human Uses/Cautions: Toxic, do not eat any part of this plant.

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: None