Lupinus excubitus var. hallii (Abrams) C.P.Sm.

Growth Form

Lupinus excubitus is a small shrub with gray-green foliage.

Leaf Arrangement

Its fan-shaped leaves grow on the stem and may be clustered at the plant's base.

Leaf Morphology

All leaves are generally covered in silvery hairs, and each leaf is composed of 7 to 10 narrow leaflets that measure 5 to 50 millimetres (0.2 to 2.0 inches) long.

Inflorescence and Flower Color

The inflorescence is a raceme, a tall stalk bearing rich purple flowers, each of which has a bright yellow spot.

Flower Color Variants

Occasional variant individuals produce white flowers.

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

The fruit is a silky legume pod that grows up to 5 centimetres (2.0 inches) long, holding mottled brown seeds inside.

Intraspecific Variants

There are several named botanical variants of this species: Lupinus excubitus var. austromontanus, common name southern mountain lupine; L. e. var. excubitus, common names grape soda lupine and Inyo bush lupine; L. e. var. hallii, common name Hall's bush lupine; L. e. var. johnstonii, common name interior bush lupine; L. e. var. medius, common names Mountain Springs bush lupine and Colorado bush lupine.