Lupinus stiversii Kellogg

Growth Form

Lupinus stiversii is a hairy annual herb. It grows 10 to 50 centimeters tall, with an erect, branching stem.

Leaf Structure

Each palmate leaf is usually composed of 7 leaflets, which measure 2 to 5 centimeters in length.

Inflorescence Structure

The inflorescence forms a dense cluster of a small number of flowers, often arranged in just one or two layers.

Flower Characteristics

The distinctive flower is between 1 and 2 centimeters long, pink in color with a yellow banner.

Fruit and Seeds

The fruit is a legume pod around 2 centimeters long, which usually contains 5 seeds.

Endemism and Distribution Pattern

Lupinus stiversii is endemic to California, with a disjunct distribution across several separate mountain ranges.

Specific Range Locations

It grows in the Sierra Nevada and its foothills; populations also occur in the Transverse Ranges above Los Angeles, and in the Santa Lucia Mountains of Monterey County.

Habitat

This species grows in open, dry habitats, including chaparral, forest clearings, and exposed slopes.