Lupinus arbustus Douglas

Species Common Name

Lupinus arbustus is a lupine species that shares the common name longspur lupine.

Native Range

It is native to western North America, where its range extends from British Columbia through California to Utah.

Habitat Types

It can grow in multiple habitat types, including sagebrush and forests.

Growth Form and Height

This plant is an erect perennial herb that reaches a maximum height of 70 centimetres, equal to 28 inches.

Foliage Texture

Its texture is sometimes hairy.

Leaf Structure

Each palmate leaf consists of 7 to 13 leaflets, and each leaflet can grow up to 7 centimetres, or 2 and 3/4 inches, long.

Inflorescence Characteristics

The inflorescence can be up to 18 centimetres, or 7 inches, long, and bears whorls of flowers.

Individual Flower Size

Each individual flower reaches up to 1.4 centimetres, or 7/12 of an inch, long.

Calyx Morphology

The calyx of sepals surrounding the base of the flower corolla has a knob-shaped spur on its back.

Flower Coloration

The flower corolla can come in colors ranging from white to yellow, and in various shades of purple or pink.

Fruit Characteristics

The fruit this plant produces is a hairy legume pod, which is 2 to 3 centimetres, or 3/4 to 1 and 1/6 inches, long.

Subspecies Status

There are several recognized subspecies of Lupinus arbustus.