Mountain Springs Bush Lupine
(Lupinus excubitus var. medius )
Fabaceae

Photo Copyright 1998 Christopher L. Christie

Description: Perennial, sub-shrub, 1 - 2.3 feet (3-7dm) high, with finely silver-white tomentose(densely woven hairs). Stems woody at base. Petiol (leaf stem) is greater than 4 3/4 inches (12cm) long. Inflorescence is a raceme (unbranched with flowers opening from bottom to top) 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long. Flower is 3/8-1/2 inch (10-13mm) long. Flower whorls 3/8 - 6/8 inches (1-2cm) apart. Fruit is a flat pod with 2-12 seeds.

Distribution:

Habitat: Desert washes, creosote bush scrub, 1,394 - 4,193 feet (425-1370 meters) elevation.

Flowering Period: Blooms March - May

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B