Lupinus albicaulis
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Lupinus albicaulis

Pine lupine · Sickle-keel lupine · Sicklekeel lupine

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–32 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 4–8
Click count
43
Observations
21

Description

Source: leafsnap

Lupinus albicaulis is a species of lupine known by the common name sicklekeel lupine. It is native to the western United States from Washington to California, where it grows mostly in mountain habitat. It is a hairy, erect perennial herb often exceeding a meter in height. Each palmate leaf is made up of 5 to 10 leaflets each up to 7 centimetres (2+3⁄4 in) long. The inflorescence is up to 44 centimetres (17 in) long, bearing whorls of flowers each 1 to 1.6 centimetres (1⁄3 to 2⁄3 in) long. The flower is purple to yellowish or whitish in color and has a sickle-shaped keel. The fruit is a silky-hairy legume pod up to 5 centimetres (2 in) long containing several seeds. In Oregon, where the plant is native, it has been cultivated for several uses, including reforestation and revegetation of roadsides and other disturbed habitat.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Sickle-keel lupine flourishes when it receives proper drainage and is watered regularly, about 1 inch (25 mm) per week, during the growing season. Inadequate watering can lead to premature seeding and damage to seedlings, whereas excessive watering may cause root rot and decrease nitrogen fixation. Therefore, maintaining balanced soil moisture is essential for optimal growth.

☀️ Light Full sun

Sickle-keel lupine is a sun-loving herbaceous perennial that comes from open habitats and commonly grows in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C

Sickle-keel lupine can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be constrained by various combinations of water and heat. It grows best in warm summers with adequate rainfall or watering. Long periods of cloudy, rainy weather and extended high temperatures can raise the chance of Sickle-keel lupine dying. In winter, proper protection from cold can increase the plant's survival rate.

Ideal temperature: 5–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

A single fertilizer application in spring is generally adequate for Sickle-keel lupine, but repeated feedings can promote maximum growth. Feed every four to six weeks. Fertilizing improves the appearance and function of the leaves, supporting even color and a healthy texture. It also encourages root development and nutrient uptake for the plant's long-term health.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

To ensure the healthy growth of sickle-keel lupine, it's important to prune it properly. The best time to do this is in early spring before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead stems and thinning out congested areas to enhance the plant's health and improve air circulation. Regular pruning encourages vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools for the best results.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Lupinus
Family
Fabaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
30 cm to 76 cm
Mature Spread
20 cm to 40 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Tags (5)

Common Names (3)

en Pine lupine
en Sickle-keel lupine
en Sicklekeel lupine