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Description
Lupinus Hirsutissimus, commonly known as the Hairy Lupine, is a flowering plant from the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to the western regions of North America, from Oregon to Baja California. The plant is an herbaceous perennial and can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lupinus |
Appearance
The Hairy Lupine has a tall and erect stem with alternate leaves that are palmately compound, containing 5-11 leaflets. The flowers are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence, with each flower having a characteristic pea-like shape. The flowers are typically blue or purple, but can also be pink or white. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
Water: The Hairy Lupine requires moderate watering, and should not be left to dry out for extended periods of time.
Fertilization: The plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Soil: The Hairy Lupine prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
Sunlight: The plant requires full sunlight to thrive, and should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: The Hairy Lupine is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Hairy Lupine is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Regular monitoring and pest control measures are recommended to prevent infestations.
Habitat
The Hairy Lupine is commonly found in open, sunny areas such as meadows, grasslands, and hillsides. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate some drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Hairy Lupine be grown indoors?
A: The Hairy Lupine is best suited for outdoor growing and is not recommended for indoor cultivation.
Q: How often should the Hairy Lupine be fertilized?
A: The plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, typically every 4-6 weeks.
Q: What is the blooming season for the Hairy Lupine?
A: The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
Q: Is the Hairy Lupine toxic to pets?
A: The plant is not toxic to pets, but ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Related Plants
- Lupinus bicolor
- Lupinus latifolius
- Lupinus polyphyllus
- Lupinus sericeus
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/lupinus_hirsutissimus.shtml
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LUHI3
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/lupinus-hirsutissimus-hairy-lupine
