Fabaceae

Lupinus lepidus var. lepidus

Elegant Lupine

Mat to erect, silky or hairy, gray or sometimes rusty-colored. Basal leaves on 1–4 in. petiole. Leaflets 5–9, less than 1 1/2 in. long. Inflorescence dense, among or just beyond leaves. Flowers deep or pale blue to violet, with lighter or darker standard, banner patch yellow or white sometimes fading to red or brown. Found in rocky places on prairies and foothills from British Columbia to California and east to Montana, Colorado, Wyoming. There are many named varieties of this elegant lupine throughout the western states. With variable distinctions between most populations, the taxonomy is still under discussion. Only a few varieties are listed.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 2--18 inches
• Habitat: Alpine, Subalpine, West-Side Forest, East-Side Forest
• Found In: Olympic Np, Wallowas, West Gorge, East Gorge, Siskiyous, Great Basin
• Native: Yes