Lupinus westianus

Common Names

Gulf Coast Lupine

Summary

Gulf Coast Lupine is a perennial suffrutescent herb endemic to Florida's Panhandle, occupying coastal dunes and longleaf pine sandhills in sandy, well-drained soils within open, fire-maintained habitats. It grows erect to 60–85 cm tall with unifoliolate elliptic–ovate leaves about 7.5–9 cm long and stems and leaves with appressed pubescence; dense upright flower spikes up to 8 inches long carry blue flowers from March to May, each with a maroon to purplish-blue central eye on the banner, and the plant forms symbiotic nitrogen-fixing relationships. Two subspecies reflect geographic variation.

Endemic distribution and threatened-state status highlight the conservation context; in cultivation, it favors sandy, well-drained soils in dune and sandhill landscapes, with open, fire-maintained environments to support persistence. Spring bloom and showy inflorescences make it suitable for native plantings that support pollinators, while maintenance aligns with habitat requirements and landscape uses.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

23-24 inches

Spread

2 feet

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy soil, slightly acidic (pH 5.8–6.2); ideal mix: topsoil + peat moss + perlite

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils, including sandy, slightly acidic varieties, that are moist but not waterlogged.

Soil pH

6.0-6.5, Slightly acidic (pH below 7)

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Time

Spring

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators