Description
Lupinus sericeus
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Lovely native flower and superb food source for hummingbirds and bees.
This quintessential Great Basin native has unique palm-like leaflets with noticeable hairs, as well as racemes of pretty purple flowers. Blooms in June or July depending on elevation, with plants at the highest elevations blooming latest. Though all parts of the plants are toxic to humans and animals, it fixes nitrogen and feeds surrounding plants with its deep taproot. It can take 3-5 years to become established and flower, but the beautiful leaves are worth the wait! Grows to about 2' tall x 1' wide. Best to sow in fall for seeds to break dormancy.
For more information about growing this plant, visit the USDA plant guide.
Disclaimer: Lupines contain alkaloids that are known to be toxic to humans and animals. Though toxicity has been predominantly noted in livestock, the danger of poisoning in dogs is a possibility. Source
Seeds were sustainably wildcrafted in the Great Basin by Kyle and friends at Native-Seed Company.
30 seeds.
Directions: Direct seed in early spring or fall. Or, start indoors, harden off and transplant out ASAP. To aid germination, soak seed overnight and/or scarify with sandpaper.
Planting Depth |
Seed Spacing |
Days to Germination |
Days to Maturity |
¼” |
20” |
14-90 |
Perennial |
"Lupinus sericeus" by Tab Tannery is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0