Yellow Coastal Bush Lupine

Lupinus arboreus

perennial herbView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

low

Soil

Fast; Typically sandy soil.

Size

4–7ft tall, 4–4ft wide

Bloom

Mar-May

Foliage

Evergreen

Deer

Resistant

Fragrant

Yes

Flowers

Prized

Keystone Plant

Supports up to 74 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California

Native Range

Coastal dunes and bluffs from Humboldt County to Santa Barbara County, below 500 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Coastal Bush Lupine in full sun with very well-drained, sandy soil - this is non-negotiable. Space it generously, as it grows 4–7 feet tall and wide, so choose a location that can accommodate its large mature size. Spring is ideal for planting in the Bay Area. This plant is evergreen and deer resistant, making it a low-maintenance addition once established.

After Planting

Water weekly during your first summer, then transition to no more than twice monthly once established - this is a low-water plant that hates wet feet. After flowering (March–May), cut off dead flower stalks before they form seeds to prevent aggressive self-seeding in your yard. The biggest mistake people make is overwatering; if you're used to babying plants, resist the urge with this one. Year one is all about root establishment with minimal fuss, and it will tolerate Bay Area cold down to -12°F.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Alkali BeeColletes kincaidii

Listed due to habitat loss and decline in alkali wetlands

Federal: Threatened, CA: Threatened

Silvery blue butterflyGlaucopsyche lygdamus

California Threatened; Species of Special Concern

CA: Threatened, CA Special Concern

Monarch butterflyDanaus plexippus

California Species of Special Concern; monarch populations declining

CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported