About Lupinus diffusus Nutt.
Common Names
Lupinus diffusus Nutt. has the common names Oak Ridge lupine, spreading lupine, and sky-blue lupine.
Native Distribution
This lupine species is native to the southeastern United States, where its range extends from North Carolina south to Florida, and west to Mississippi.
Habitat Requirements
It grows only in very dry, sandy soils, which are most often found in open pine or oak woodlands.
Plant Growth Form & Size
It is a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20 inches) in height.
Leaf Structure
Its leaves are palmately compound, with 3 to 5 leaflets that measure 6 to 12 centimetres (2.4 to 4.7 inches) long and 3 to 5 centimetres (1.2 to 2.0 inches) broad.
Leaf Appearance
The leaves range in color from gray-green to silvery green, and are covered in fine white hairs.
Flower Characteristics
The flowers are pale blue or violet, and are borne on a dense spike that is 15 to 30 centimetres (5.9 to 11.8 inches) long.
Cultivation Use
In cultivation, it is grown as an ornamental garden plant, valued for its early spring flowers and silvery leaves.
