Bicolor Lupine or Miniature Lupine

(Lupinus bicolor)

 

Bicolor Lupine near Crissy Marsh.

Will Elder, NPS

 

Origin Of Genus Name: Lupinus is Latin for "wolf."

Presidio Locations: Found throughout the sand dunes.

Range In State: California coast.

Description: This annual native has tiny, deep blue flowers. The plant was once thought to deplete or "wolf" the mineral content of the soil; hence the genus name derived from the Latin lupus for "wolf." Actually the plant and all of the Lupine Family enhances soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen into a useful form. It has palmate (looks like the palm of your hand) leaves which are quite hairy. Blooms March to June.

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