Arroyo lupine (Lupinus succulentus, Index Seminum (B, Berolinensis) 1867(App. 1): 11 (1867))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Douglas ex K.Koch

Bibliography: Index Seminum (B, Berolinensis) 1867(App. 1): 11 (1867)

Year: 1867

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lupinus

Vegetable: False

Observations: California to Arizona and NW. Mexico

Description

Arroyo lupine, scientifically recognized as Lupinus succulentus, is a vibrant and resilient member of the Fabaceae family. Authored by Douglas ex K.Koch and first catalogued in 1867 within “Index Seminum (B, Berolinensis)”, this species has established its presence across diverse regions spanning from California to Arizona, plus Northwestern Mexico.

Renowned for its captivating inflorescence, Arroyo lupine thrives in various habitats, making it a regional floral gem. This annual plant boasts lush, succulent stems and produces an array of lavender to deep blue flowers, often with illuminating white spots. Each bloom harmoniously contributes to a dense, floretted cluster, forming enchanting visual spectacles in springtime meadows and along watercourses.

The plant’s adaptability to variable environmental conditions has allowed it to flourish in both wild and cultivated landscapes. Arroyo lupine’s propensity to inhabit disturbed sites underscores its importance in soil stabilization and ecological restoration efforts, adding both vitality and beauty to recovering environments.

Moreover, as a member of the Fabaceae family, this lupine exhibits a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enhancing soil fertility and benefiting neighboring plants. Its role in promoting biodiversity cannot be overstated, as it supports a plethora of pollinators, from bees to butterflies.

In cultivating Arroyo lupine, gardeners and conservationists alike can anticipate a season adorned with striking blue hues and a thriving ecosystem. Whether in native plant gardens or rehabilitative projects, Lupinus succulentus stands as a testament to nature’s resilience and splendor in the southwestern territories of North America.

Common Names

Eng: arroyo lupine, hollowleaf annual lupine
En: Arroyo lupine, Hollowleaf annual lupine

Synonyms

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 14, 2022 by Tracie Hall (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by quentin pryce (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2964314)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:505146-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lupinus succulentus K.Koch)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth