Family: Fabaceae, Pea view all from this family

Description This is a 2-6 in., upright to somewhat sprawling, annual lupine. Its reddish-purple flowers, with white central spots, bloom in loose, terminal clusters. Leaves are palmately compound.

Warning Plants in the genus Lupinus, especially the seeds, can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.

Flower March - May.

Flower March - May

Habitat Sandy, desert areas; grama grasslands.

Range S.w. U.S. and adjacent Mexico.

Comments Like other members of the pea family, this plant requires the presense of microorganisms which inhabit nodules on the plant's root system and produce nitrogen compounds necessary for the plant's survival. Soil/seed inoculum is available at most native plant nurseries.

Exposure Preference Sun.

Native Distribution S.w. U.S. & adjacent Mexico

Site Preference Sandy, desert areas; grama grasslands

Soil Preference Sandy soils.