Lupinus hyacinthinus Greene

Species Identity and Growth Form

Lupinus hyacinthinus Greene is an erect perennial herb that reaches a maximum height of one meter.

Texture and Foliage Color

It has a hairy texture, and new growth is gray-green.

Leaf Structure

Each palmate leaf is divided into up to 12 narrow leaflets; individual leaflets can grow up to 8 centimeters long and just a few millimeters wide.

Inflorescence and Flower Size

Its inflorescence holds whorls of flowers, each over one centimeter long.

Flower Coloration

Flowers are purple or blue, with a white to yellow patch on the banner petal.

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

The fruit is a 3 to 4 centimeter long legume pod covered in silky hairs, which contains speckled seeds.

Bloom Period and Elevation Range

This species blooms in June, July, and August, and grows at elevations between 950 and 2940 meters (3115 and 9645 feet).

Seasonal Growth Parameters

Its growing season lasts between 1 and 5 months, and its wet season lasts between 4 and 7 months.

Ecological Role as Host

It acts as a host for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, including the Arrowhead Blue butterfly.

Recorded Bloom Color Variations

Recorded bloom colors for this species are white, yellow, blue, and purple.