prairie wildflower
Sandyland Bluebonnet
Lupinus subcarnosus
1 of 2Native to Texas
South-central Texas, scattered to northern Hidalgo county
- Light Full sun Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Mar–Apr Flowering time
- Height up to 16 in to 41 cm
- Life cycle Annual Annual to perennial
In the garden
A prairie wildflower for full sun. Its blue and purple flowers peak in March. At up to 16 in, it tucks into meadows and sunny borders.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The Sandyland Bluebonnet's blue and purple flowers bloom March to April, peaking in March. It's an early-spring display.
Sandyland Bluebonnet blooms blue & purpleFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- Acmon bluecaterpillar host
- Boisduval's bluecaterpillar host
- Melissa bluecaterpillar host
- Silvery bluecaterpillar host
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- PrairieThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- TexasUnited States (1): TX. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- South-central Texas, scattered to northern Hidalgo countyThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Soil
- Deep sandsThe soils it grows in naturally.
Growth & form
- 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).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Mar–AprWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- Blue, PurpleThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- ripens Mar–AprThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.