Lupinus nanus, Sky Lupine

This beautiful annual lupine can be seen on grassy hills, open slopes and fields, often casting a blue haze of color from a distance in the spring. Low growing, 6–20 inches tall and wide. The wonderfully fragrant, rich blue flowers with white markings start showing up in late winter. Prefers full sun, lean and well drained soils with minimal supplemental watering. Contrasts beautifully with California poppies, providing the classic blue and orange displays of spring. Attractive to a myriad of pollinators and a larval food source for a number of butterfly and moth species. Deer do browse lupines.

Lupines are host plants for over 50 species of butterflies and moths, including the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly.