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Description
Lupinus Argenteus Var. Palmeri, also known as Palmer’s Silver Lupine, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Native to the western United States, this plant is a perennial herb that can grow up to 2 feet tall. It features beautiful silver-green leaves and stunning violet-blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lupinus |
| Species | Argenteus |
| Variety | Palmeri |
Appearance
Palmer’s Silver Lupine has distinctive silver-green leaves that are palmately compound and arranged in a rosette. The leaves are typically 3-7 inches long and consist of 5-11 leaflets. The flowers are borne on tall spikes that can reach up to 2 feet in height. The deep violet-blue flowers are pea-like and arranged in dense clusters. Each flower is about 1 inch long and has a distinctive white spot on the upper petal. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and can attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Care Guide
To grow Palmer’s Silver Lupine, you need to provide the right care. Here are some tips:Water: This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during dry spells.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth and blooming.Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur or peat moss to lower the pH.Sunlight: Palmer’s Silver Lupine prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as well.Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Palmer’s Silver Lupine is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if the soil is too wet. Aphids and spider mites can also be a problem, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Palmer’s Silver Lupine is native to the western United States, including Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. It thrives in open areas, such as meadows, prairies, and dry slopes. It can also be found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Palmer’s Silver Lupine be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as you provide it with the right soil, water, and sunlight.Q: Can Palmer’s Silver Lupine be grown from seed?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown from seed. Sow the seeds in the spring or fall in well-drained soil.Q: Is Palmer’s Silver Lupine toxic to pets?
A: Yes, this plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep it away from pets and children.Q: How long does Palmer’s Silver Lupine bloom?
A: This plant blooms from late spring to early summer, typically for about 4-6 weeks.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Palmer’s Silver Lupine:
- Lupinus albifrons (Silver Lupine)
- Lupinus perennis (Sundial Lupine)
- Lupinus texensis (Texas Bluebonnet)
- Lupinus polyphyllus (Bigleaf Lupine)
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/lupargvpa/all.html
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/lupinus-argenteus-var-palmeri
- https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/55691/
- https://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/intermountain_nursery/Lupinus_argenteus_var_palmeri.htm
