Sky lupine (Lupinus nanus, Trans. Hort. Soc. London ser. 2, 1:409. 1835)

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Dougl. ex Benth.

Bibliography: Trans. Hort. Soc. London ser. 2, 1:409. 1835

Year: 1835

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lupinus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Oregon to California, NE. Nevada

Description

The Sky Lupine, scientifically known as Lupinus nanus, is an enchanting wildflower that graces much of the western United States. First documented in scientific literature in 1835 by Dougl. ex Benth. in the Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London, Lupinus nanus has since become a notable species within the botanical family Fabaceae.

This delicate yet striking plant generally flourishes in diverse habitats ranging from Oregon through California and into northeastern Nevada. Its presence is a welcome sight in meadows and open fields, where it exhibits a vivid display of color. The Sky Lupine is well-regarded for its charming blossoms, which typically exhibit shades of blue to purple, often with a white or pale pink mottling. These vibrant flowers tend to cluster gregariously at the tops of the plant’s slender stems, providing a striking contrast against the backdrop of its lush, green foliage.

In its natural setting, Lupinus nanus contributes significantly to the ecology, offering both aesthetic beauty and functional benefits. Its capability to fix nitrogen in the soil, a characteristic trait of the Fabaceae family, proves valuable for enriching the nutrient content of the ecosystems it inhabits. Moreover, the blossoms attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for maintaining ecological balance.

The Sky Lupine is often celebrated not only for its visual appeal but also for its adaptability. It thrives in well-drained soils and can be found at various elevations, showcasing its resilience and versatility as a wildflower. For gardening enthusiasts and conservationists alike, the Sky Lupine holds a special place as a symbol of the enduring beauty and vitality of North America’s wild flora.

Common Names

Deu: zwerg-lupine
Eng: orean blue lupin, sky lupine, open lupine, douglas’ annual lupine
Por: tremoço-de-jardim
Fra: lupin nain
En: Sky lupine, Annual lupine, Orean blue lupin, Open lupine, Douglas’ annual lupine
Ar: ترمس قزم
Fi: Kääpiölupiini
Fr: Lupin nain
De: Zwerg-Lupine
Is: Dverglúpína
Pt: Tremoço-de-jardim

Synonyms

• Lupinus odoratus (F.Dietr.)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)

Additional Images

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

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

Flower

Taken Nov 30, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2009 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2015 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by Zimmermann Lars (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:504811-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2964223)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lupinus nanus Benth.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth