Lupinus benthamii A.Heller

Growth Form and Height

Lupinus benthamii is a hairy annual herb that reaches 20 to 70 centimetres (7.9 to 27.6 inches) in height.

Leaf Structure

Each of its leaves is palmate, formed of 7 to 10 narrow, linear leaflets. Individual leaflets can grow up to 5 centimetres (2.0 inches) long, and are just a few millimeters wide.

Inflorescence Characteristics

Its inflorescence is an erect raceme of flowers that can reach up to 30 centimetres (12 inches) tall, and flowers are sometimes arranged in whorls.

Flower Appearance

Each flower measures between 1 and 2 centimeters long, is colored bright to deep blue, and usually has a white or pink spot on the banner, the upper petal.

Fruit Characteristics

The fruit is a hairy legume pod that reaches about 3 centimetres (1.2 inches) in length.

Geographic Distribution

This plant is endemic to central California, where it occurs from the Central Coast Ranges, across the Central Valley, and into the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Habitat Abundance and Flowering Season

It is common in some parts of its range, where it can cover hillsides with its blue blooms during the spring.