prairie wildflower

Miniature Lupine

Lupinus bicolor

Also known as Miniature Annual Lupine, Pygmy-leaved Lupine

Native to California, Oregon, and Washington

Vancouver Island, British Columbia to southern California; perhaps introduced in Arizona

In the garden

A prairie wildflower for full sun. At up to 16 in, it tucks into meadows and sunny borders. Hardy in USDA zones 6–11.

Light

Full sun Partial shade Full shade

Moisture

Dry Moist Wet

Find your zone:

Bees Yellow-faced Bumble Bee

also Tricolored Bumble Bee, Black-tailed Bumble Bee, Two-form Bumble Bee +3 more
California Bumble Bee, Crotch's Bumble Bee, Osmia tristella
Butterflies Silvery Blue

also Marine Blue, Acmon Blue, Boisduval's Blue +2 more
Mission Blue, Coenonympha california california
Flower flies Margined Calligrapher also Forked Globetail

Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.

Habitat: PrairieThe wild plant community it grows in.
Native range: California, Oregon, and WashingtonUnited States (3): CA, OR, WA. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
Native distribution: Vancouver Island, British Columbia to southern California; perhaps introduced in ArizonaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.

Light: Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
Hardiness zones: USDA 6–11 · Canadian 6–9The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
Soil: Sandy soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.

Height: up to 16 in (to 41 cm)Typical mature height.
Life cycle: AnnualWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).