Tailcup Lupine

General Description:

Tailcup Lupine (Lupinus caudatus) is a perennial species native to western North America. It thrives in a variety of habitats including open forests, grasslands, and sagebrush often at mid-to-high elevations.

Tailcup Lupine typically grows between 12-30 inches tall forming erect clumps. The leaves form 5-9 narrow leaflets, covered in fine hairs that can give it silvery-green look. The flowers can be between blue to purple with white or yellowish spots. Lupinus caudatus usually blooms late spring to mid-summer.

Uses:

Lupinus caudatus can be used as a pollinator as the flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Lupine can also serve as nitrogen fixation and erosion control. It is often included in revegetation projects that include native seeds

Planting Conditions:

Tailcup Lupine prefers well-drained soils like sandy, rocky, or loamy soils. It performs best in open meadows, foothills, or forest edges. It grows best between 3,000-10,000 ft elevation. Lupinue caudatus tolerates cold winters and moderate drought once it is established.

Establishment:

Plant in fall or early spring for natural cold stratification. If planting in the spring you may scarify the seeds (light sanding or soaking in warm water) to improve germination but it is not needed. Make sure to plant shallow, no deeper than 1/2 inch. Tailcup Lupine can be slow to establish but persists for a long time. It does self-seed naturally in suitable conditions.

Seeding Rate:

Broadcast: 8-12 lbs per acre

Drilled: 6-10 lbs per acre