Lupinus succulentus

Lupinus succulentus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Subfamily:	Faboideae
Genus:	Lupinus
Species:	L. succulentus
Binomial name
	Lupinus succulentus; Dougl. ex K. Koch

*L. succulentus,* Poway, San Diego County

Lupinus succulentus is a species of lupine known by the common names hollowleaf annual lupine, arroyo lupine, and succulent lupine.

It is native to California, where it is common throughout much of the state, and adjacent sections of Arizona and Baja California. L. succulentus is known from many types of habitat and it can colonize disturbed areas.

Description

L. succulentus is a fleshy annual herb that grows up to 1 meter (3.3 ft) in height. The amount of fertility and moisture generally dictates the height of the plant. Prefers moist clay or heavy soils in full sun. Each palmate leaf is made up of 7 to 9 leaflets up to 6 centimeters long.

The inflorescence is a series of whorls of flowers each between 1 and 2 centimeters long. The flower is generally purple-blue with a white or pink patch on its banner, and there are sometimes flowers in shades of light purple, pink, and white.

The fruit is a roughly hairy legume pod up to 5 centimeters long and about 1 centimeter wide.

Cultivation

Being the most water tolerant of all lupines, L. succulentus is used cultivated as an ornamental plant, for flower borders, native plant and wildlife gardens, and in natural landscaping projects.

Horticultural specifications

Height: 1–4 feet
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 55 °F–70 °F
Blooming Period: April–May
Germination: 15–75 days
Sowing depth: 1/8"

External links

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