About Lupinus grayi S.Watson
Nomenclature and Common Name
Lupinus grayi S.Watson is a species of lupine with the common name Sierra lupine.
Geographic Distribution
It is endemic to California, with a distribution that spans the full length of the Sierra Nevada and its foothills, and also includes the Tehachapi Mountains.
Habitat Characteristics
It is a common plant in mountain forests, and sometimes forms dense carpets across meadows with its woolly green foliage and purple flower spikes.
Growth Form and Size
This is a low, prostrate perennial herb that forms spreading mats reaching 20 to 30 centimeters in height.
Leaf Structure
Each palmate leaf consists of 5 to 11 leaflets that grow up to 3.5 centimeters long.
Inflorescence Structure
The inflorescence bears dense whorls of flowers, each just over one centimeter long.
Flower Coloration
Each flower is purple or blue, with a yellow or reddish patch on its banner petal.
Fruit Characteristics
The fruit is a hairy legume pod that reaches up to 3.5 centimeters (1.4 inches) in length.
