Shaggyhair Lupine
(Lupinus spectabilis )
Fabaceae

BLM Photograph

Description: Annual herb 8-20 inches (20-60 cm) tall, covered with dense, short-appressed and long-spreading hairs.  Leaf stems (petioles) 1 1/2-3 1/2 inches (4-9 cm) long, with generally 9 leaflets 1/2-1 1/2 inches (10-40 mm) long and 1/8-3/8 inches (4-9 mm) wide.  Inflorescense 2 -12 inches (5-30 cm), flowers whorled around stem, and bracts deciduous.  Flower  petals blue, rarely white, with a white banner spot white.  Fruit 1 1/4 - 2 inches (3-5 cm) long, 3/8 inch (8-9 mm) wide, covered with dense hair and containing 5-10 seeds.

Distribution: The species is found on exposed serpentine rock in Mariposa and Tuolomne counties.  BLM manages areas of serpentine habitat that support this species in the vicinity of Highway 49, from Bagby in Mariposa County north to about the Mariposa-Tuolumne County line.

Habitat: Chaparral and foothill woodland on serpentine soils less than 2600 feet (800 meters).

Flowering Period: April-May

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B