Summer Lupine
Lupinus formosus var. formosus
Care
full sun
low
Slow
0–2ft tall
Jun-Nov
Friendly
Prized
Supports up to 74 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California
Meadows and grasslands of the High Sierra and mountains from Tulare County to Modoc County, 5000-10000 ft elevation.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Summer Lupine in full sun in a location with slow-draining soil - it thrives in dry clay soils and open places typical of Bay Area chaparral and grasslands. Plant in fall or early spring so it can establish before summer heat. Space plants to account for slow rhizome spread over time, and choose a spot where it can stay put, as this is a California native that prefers undisturbed conditions.
After Planting
Water moderately through the first growing season, then transition to low water once established - this is a drought-tolerant native. Expect the plant to die back completely in winter and resprout in early spring; this is normal and requires no intervention. The #1 mistake is overwatering: Summer Lupine evolved for dry conditions and will rot in wet soil, so err on the side of dry once it's past its first year.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Multiple generations utilize lupine as larval host plant
Larval food plant for this endemic California butterfly species
Larval development on lupine foliage
Specialized midge parasitoid developing in lupine tissues
Generalist butterfly that occasionally uses lupine as larval host during population peaks