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Description
Lupinus Sparsiflorus, commonly known as Coulter’s Lupine, is a flowering plant species native to western North America, specifically California and Baja California. This plant is a member of the legume family, Fabaceae, and is a perennial herb that can grow up to one meter tall. This plant produces beautiful, showy flowers that come in shades of blue, purple, and pink. Coulter’s Lupine is a popular ornamental plant due to its stunning flowers and hardiness, making it a great addition to any garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lupinus |
Appearance
Coulter’s Lupine has a unique appearance that makes it stand out in any garden. This plant has a tall, erect stem covered in palmate leaves that are bright green in color. The leaves are made up of several leaflets that radiate from a central point, giving them a star-like appearance. The flowers of Coulter’s Lupine are the main attraction, with their showy spikes of blue, purple, or pink blooms. Each flower is shaped like a pea, with a banner petal, two wing petals, and a keel petal. The flowers give way to seed pods that are covered in soft, silvery hairs and contain several seeds.
Care Guide
Coulter’s Lupine is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this stunning plant:
- Water: Coulter’s Lupine prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it.
- Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilization, but you can fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
- Soil: Coulter’s Lupine prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
- Hardiness Zones: Coulter’s Lupine is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Coulter’s Lupine is relatively pest and disease-free. However, there are a few pests and diseases that can affect this plant:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause distortion and discoloration of the leaves. Use an insecticidal soap to control aphids.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves. Remove and destroy affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Make sure your plant is in well-draining soil and do not overwater it.
Habitat
Coulter’s Lupine is native to western North America, specifically California and Baja California. This plant grows in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grasslands. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Coulter’s Lupine toxic to humans or animals?
A: Yes, Coulter’s Lupine contains toxic alkaloids that can be harmful if ingested. Keep this plant away from children and pets.
Q: Can I grow Coulter’s Lupine in a container?
A: Yes, Coulter’s Lupine can be grown in a container as long as the pot is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: Does Coulter’s Lupine attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Coulter’s Lupine is a great plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Can I propagate Coulter’s Lupine from seed?
A: Yes, Coulter’s Lupine can be propagated from seed. Sow the seeds in the fall or early spring and keep the soil moist until they germinate.
Related Plants
- Lupinus arboreus
- Lupinus nanus
- Lupinus polyphyllus
- Lupinus succulentus
References
- USDA Plants Database: Lupinus sparsiflorus
- California Native Plant Society: Lupinus sparsiflorus
- Gardening Know How: Coulter’s Lupine Care – How To Grow Coulter’s Lupine Flowers
- Wildflower.org: Lupinus sparsiflorus
