Silvery Lupine (Lupinus argenteus)

Field of Lupine; Timpanogos Basin, 7/24/2013, David Kenison

Silvery Lupine is one of the most prolific and widespread native blooms in the Wasatch. It is the most common of several lupines found in Utah. Its blooms vary between shades of purple and pink to blue and even white. They are often found in dense clumps covering entire hillsides, intermixed with other bright colored blossoms. The silvery look comes from fine silver hairs covering the leaves, stems, and sepals.

The blossoms form in cylindrical clusters, up to 10" tall, around a vertical stem and resemble wild pea flowers (Lupine is a member of the Fabaceae family, the peas). The leaves are star-like with 6-10 folded spatula-like leaves protruding from a central stem.

The Lupine is a nitrogen-fixing plant (able to extract nitrogen from the air) and so very beneficial to soil. However, it is poisonous to livestock if consumed in large quantities.

These photos were taken by the author at a variety of locations around Utah.  Click to view enlargements.

 

 

Additional information:

USDA profile

Lady Bird Johnson Page