Yellow Bush Lupine

(Lupinus arboreus)

 

A Yellow Bush Lupine blooms at Lobos Creek Dunes.

Will Elder, NPS

 

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

Presidio Locations: Found on coastal dunes.

Range In State: Central to northern California coast. The Presidio is the type locality for this species.

Description: This native of the Pea Family has smooth, green, hairy, palmate leaves (resembling the palm of your hand). The erect stems have dense, yellow flower clusters and pod like, brown-black fruit. Lupines have the ability to fix nitrogen into soil. Tree lupines are host larvae of the Tree Lupine Moth, a once federally threatened insect. Blooms May to August.

Native Californian Uses: The Pomo and the Kashaya used the root fibers to make string for deer and rabbit nets, gill nets and carrying nets.

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