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Description
Lupinus Truncatus, also known as the Collared Lupin or the Mojave Lupine, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to the Mojave Desert of California, Nevada, and Arizona in the United States. The plant typically grows up to 50 cm in height and has blue or purple flowers that bloom from March to June. Lupinus Truncatus is an important plant for the desert ecosystem as it is a nitrogen fixer and provides food for pollinators and herbivores.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Lupinus |
| Species: | Truncatus |
Appearance
Lupinus Truncatus has a distinctive appearance with a hairy stem and leaves. The leaves are palmately compound, with 5-8 leaflets that are elliptic to oblong in shape. The plant produces a tall spike of flowers that are blue or purple in color, with a characteristic white spot on the upper petal. The flowers are followed by a fruit pod that contains seeds. The plant has a taproot system that helps it survive in the arid desert environment.
Care Guide
Lupinus Truncatus is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and heat. However, it requires some care to thrive.
- Water: The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season, but it should not be overwatered as it can cause root rot.
- Fertilization: Lupinus Truncatus is a nitrogen fixer and does not require additional fertilization.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH.
- Sunlight: Lupinus Truncatus requires full sun to grow and bloom.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lupinus Truncatus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by some common problems.
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. They can be controlled with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can cause root rot, which can be prevented by allowing the soil to dry out between waterings and improving soil drainage.
Habitat
Lupinus Truncatus is native to the Mojave Desert of California, Nevada, and Arizona in the United States. It grows in sandy or gravelly soils in desert scrub, Joshua tree woodland, and pinyon-juniper woodland habitats. The plant is an important part of the desert ecosystem as it provides food for pollinators and herbivores and fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Lupinus Truncatus easy to grow?
A: Yes, Lupinus Truncatus is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and heat, making it easy to grow in the desert environment.
Q: How often should I water Lupinus Truncatus?
A: The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season, but it should not be overwatered as it can cause root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Q: What kind of soil does Lupinus Truncatus prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Lupinus Truncatus?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Related Plants
- Lupinus Arboreus
- Lupinus Perennis
- Lupinus Texensis
- Lupinus Succulentus
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/luptre/all.html
- https://calscape.org/Lupinus-truncatus-(Collared-Lupine)?srchcr=sc60d6f38a7a1c2
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LUTR
