Lupinus argenteus (Silvery Lupine)

Native to the Southwest, Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountains, Lupinus argenteus (Silvery Lupine) is a fast-growing perennial boasting silvery-green palmate leaves and showy spikes, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), of blue to violet, pea-shaped flowers. Blooming in early to midsummer, they are borne atop silvery-haired stems, just above the foliage. They are attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds and many pollinators. The blossoms are followed by hairy legume pods containing several beanlike seeds. Blanketing desert flats, mountain slopes, and meadows across the Southwest, Silvery Lupine looks breathtaking when planted in mass.

• Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and 1 ft. wide (30 cm). Will spread quickly to form colonies.
• Thrives in full sun in sandy or rocky, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant.
• An excellent choice for informal gardens, prairies and meadows.
• Propagate by seed sown in fall.
• Seeds can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
• Difficult to transplant because of its long roots.
• Native to much of western North America from the southwestern Canadian provinces to the southwestern and midwestern United States.