Lupinus pusillus var. pusillus Family: Fabaceae (A Utah Flora – Leguminosae) - Pea Family Annual herbs from a taproot; 1.2” to 10” (3 to 24 cm) tall; Leaves: mainly alternate; compound; has hairs; 3 to 14 leaflets are 0.44” to 1.92” (11 to 48mm) long, 0.08” to 0.4” (2 to 10 mm) wide Flowers: 5 petals (a banner, 2 wings and 2 keels); 5 sepals; 10 stamens; 1 pistil; perfect; bisexual; purple or blue purple, less commonly pink or whitish; banner petal (upper) with a central yellow spot; flower stalks with 4 to 38 flowers; flowers 0.34” to 0.48” (8.5 to 12 mm) long Pollinators: other Lupinus species are pollinated by bees Fruits: legume Blooms in Arches National Park: April, May, June Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities; commonly in sand Location seen: Park Avenue trail, park road mile 6 Other: The genus name, “Lupinus”, is from the Latin “lupus” meaning “wolf” in reference to the plant "wolfing" or taking nourishment from the soil and the species name, “pusillus”, means “dwarf”. This family is ranked second to grasses in importance to people because species can fix nitrogen. However, some species, e.g., locoweeds and milkvetches, are poisonous due to selenium abstracted from the soil. |
Last updated: December 30, 2022