Lupinus microcarpus

Common Names

Chick Lupine, Wide-Bannered Lupine

Summary

Chick lupine is an annual wildflower native to western North America, typically densely hairy and reaching about 1–2 ft tall with a spread of roughly 2 ft; flowers appear in tight, symmetric whorls on erect spikes and display colors ranging from white to pale yellow, magenta pink, and deep purple, with palmately compound leaves of 5–11 leaflets and short fuzzy seed pods containing two seeds; it grows in open or disturbed sites below 5,000 ft and is widespread in California from sea level to about 1,600 m.

In cultivation it prefers full sun and tolerates some shade, thriving in clay soils and a range of soil types, and it is self-sowing and suitable as a border plant or in meadow plantings; propagation is by seed, with fresh seeds needing no treatment and stored seeds scarification or hot water, and late planting can extend bloom periods to benefit bees and other pollinators.

Lifecycle

Annual

Height

1-2.5 feet

Spread

1-2 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 1-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Average and well-drained soil.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Bloom Color

Pink to purple, white to yellow, blue

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Winter, Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds (fresh seeds: no treatment; stored seeds: scarification or hot water; self-sowing)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators