California Native Annual Wildflower
Yellow Lupine
Lupinus microcarpus var. densiflorus
A bright California native annual lupine for native wildflower displays, pollinator habitat and naturalized plantings
Yellow Lupine is a California native annual wildflower recognized for its upright spikes of bright yellow, pea-like flowers and distinctive palmate foliage. It provides strong spring color while adding the unique structure of a lupine to native wildflower mixtures, pollinator plantings and naturalized California landscapes.
Wildflower Characteristics
Why Plant Yellow Lupine?
Yellow Lupine combines true California native value, distinctive lupine structure and vivid yellow flowering in an annual wildflower.
California Native
A native annual lupine naturally suited to California wildflower and native-oriented landscape plantings.
Bright Yellow Flowers
Upright flower spikes provide a strong yellow component that stands out among blue, purple, orange and white native wildflowers.
Pollinator Value
Lupine flowers provide useful floral resources for bees and other visiting pollinating insects during bloom.
Legume Function
As a member of the legume family, Yellow Lupine can form relationships with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria when appropriately nodulated.
Where It Fits
Best Uses for Yellow Lupine
Yellow Lupine is particularly useful where California native value and a strong vertical yellow flowering component are desired.
Establishment & Management
Growing Yellow Lupine
Yellow Lupine performs best in open, sunny locations with good drainage and adequate moisture during germination and early establishment.
Sunlight
Full sun is preferred for strong plant development and abundant flowering.
Soil & Drainage
Choose a reasonably well-drained site. Avoid locations that remain persistently saturated during the active growing period.
Seed Establishment
Provide good seed-to-soil contact and adequate moisture during germination. Lupine seed has a relatively hard seed coat, so germination may occur over an extended period under field conditions.
Natural Reseeding
Where future volunteer plants are desired, allow seed pods to mature before mowing or removing the stand. Cutting plants before mature seed develops will reduce natural reseeding.
California Native
A Distinctive Yellow Lupine for California Wildflower Plantings
Yellow Lupine provides a different color and growth form than many familiar California annuals. Its bright yellow pea-like flowers are carried on upright spikes above palmately divided foliage, adding both vertical structure and strong color contrast to California native wildflower and pollinator plantings.
Looking for Yellow Lupine Seed?
Contact Weaver Seed for current availability, quantities, packaging or help incorporating Yellow Lupine into a California native, pollinator or custom wildflower mixture.
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