Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Miniature Lupine (Lupinus bicolor) is a petite annual wildflower, just 3 inches tall, showcasing clusters of blue and white spring blooms that may vary geographically to magenta or purple.

This adaptable lupine thrives in full sun along the coast and part sun inland, preferring well-drained soil but tolerating various types. Often paired with California poppies, it is typically grown from seed, planted ¼ inch deep in the fall.

Miniature lupine attracts numerous insects and serves as a host plant for the Arrowhead Blue butterfly, making it a charming and ecologically valuable addition to native gardens.

Plant type

Annual herb, Perennial herb

Size

3 - 16 in Tall
1 ft Wide

Calscape icon
Color

Blue, Purple, Lavender, White

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Containers

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Moderate

Summer irrigation

Max 1x / month once established

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to 5° F

Soil drainage

Medium

Soil description

Tolerates a variety of soils including very poor soil.
Soil PH: 5.8 - 8.2

Propagation

For propagating by seed: Fresh seeds need no treatment. Stored seeds need scarification or hot water; no treatment may give fair germination.

Sunset Zones

7*, 8*, 9*, 10, 11, 12, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18, 19, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*

Site type

Dry meadows, grasslands, prairies, open or disturbed places

Plant communities

Closed-cone Pine Forest, Coastal Strand, Douglas-Fir Forest, Foothill Woodland, Joshua Tree Woodland, Lodgepole Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Northern Coastal Scrub, Red Fir Forest, Valley Grassland, Yellow Pine Forest

This plant is best used in a large open, sunny area where it can be sown in a mass along with other annual wildflowers.

Bats
Birds
Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 54 likely

Confirmed Likely

Lupine Dagger

Acronicta lupini

Agrochola purpurea

Painted Tiger Moth

Arachnis picta