Lupinus succulentus (Arroyo Lupine (Native))

Arroyo Lupine (Lupinus succulentus) is the workhorse blue annual lupine of California grasslands, a robust cool-season annual that germinates with fall rain and explodes into one to three feet of brilliant blue-purple flower spikes the following spring. Each banner spot turns rose-pink as flowers age, giving the spikes a two-tone bicolor look up close.

Like all lupines, this one is a nitrogen-fixer. Its roots partner with Rhizobium bacteria that pull nitrogen out of the air, leaving the soil better than they found it. Lupines are foundational annual reseeders for restoration plantings on lean ground and a regular feature of California superbloom displays.

The flower spikes are a major spring nectar event for native bees, bumblebees, and honey bees, and lupines are documented host plants for several blue butterflies including silvery blue and melissa blue.

Deer-resistant. The alkaloid-rich foliage is one of the most reliable deer-proof annuals in California native gardening.

Sow seed in fall, water in until established, and let nature run the schedule. Self-seeds reliably for repeat displays year after year. Beautiful en masse with California poppy, baby blue eyes, tidy tips, and goldfields for a classic spring wildflower meadow.