Fabaceae

Lupinus bicolor

Miniature Lupine

Stem single, erect, hairy, often branched. Leaf petiole 1/2–2 1/2 in., leaf palmately divided into 5–7 narrow leaflets, hairless or covered with tiny hairs on upper surface. Flower heads to 3 in. long, with flowers held in tight whorls along stalk. Flowers blue with white banner spot that becomes deep magenta after fertilization; keel often whitish with pointed tip. Grows in thin or disturbed soils below 4500 ft. Abundant, often making large waves of blue across open areas in early spring. Very similar L. polycarpus has very brown hairs along stems.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: Mid Spring
• Life Cycle: Annual
• Height: up to 16 inches
• Habitat: Coastal, Vernal Wet, Meadow, West-Side Forest, East-Side Forest, Disturbed
• Found In: Olympic Np
• Native: Yes