About Lupinus succulentus Douglas ex K.Koch
Lupinus succulentus Douglas ex K.Koch is a fleshy annual herb that grows up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall. The plant's height is generally determined by the level of soil fertility and moisture it receives. It prefers full sun and moist clay or heavy soils. Each of its palmate leaves is composed of 7 to 9 leaflets that can reach up to 6 centimeters long. Its inflorescence consists of a series of flower whorls, and each individual flower measures between 1 and 2 centimeters long. Flowers are most often purple-blue with a white or pink patch on their banner, though blooms can sometimes also occur in shades of light purple, pink, or white. The fruit is a roughly hairy legume pod, growing up to 5 centimeters long and about 1 centimeter wide.
Among all lupines, this species is the most tolerant of water. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant for uses including flower borders, native plant gardens, wildlife gardens, and natural landscaping projects. Listed horticultural specifications for this lupine are: height between 1 and 4 feet, optimum soil temperature for germination between 55 °F and 70 °F, blooming period from April to May, germination time between 15 and 75 days, and a sowing depth of 1/8 inch.
