Lupinus albifrons var. johnstonii
Johnston's silver lupine
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Lupinus albifrons var. johnstonii (Johnston's silver lupine) is a native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by small subshrub habit and short leaf stalks.
Johnston's silver lupine is a rare (CNPS 4.3) California native shrub found in the San Gabriel Mountains and San Bernardino Mountains on dry slopes under pines at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces silvery white to purple flowers in compact clusters approximately 14 to 18 millimeters long. Growing as a low subshrub 1 to 3 decimeters tall with dense silver-colored hairy stems, it forms a compact and distinctive growth habit. Its leaves have long petioles up to 12 centimeters, with characteristic palmate leaflet arrangement typical of lupine species. The plant's striking silver-hairy appearance makes it a notable component of pine woodland understory communities.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 34 sympatric species; key features are small subshrub habit and short leaf stalks
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry slopes under pines
Elevation: 1500-2500 m
Bloom period
Lupinus albifrons var. johnstonii blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Salvia: Lupine has pea flowers and palmate leaves; sage has tubular two-lipped flowers and opposite leaves.; vs Artemisia: Lupine has large showy flower spikes; sagebrush has tiny inconspicuous flowers and silvery aromatic foliage.; vs Thermopsis: Lupine typically has 7-11 leaflets; false lupine has exactly 3 leaflets and bright yellow flowers.; vs Delphinium: Lupine has pea flowers; larkspur has flowers with prominent backward-pointing spur.; vs Vicia: Lupine is upright with palmate leaves; vetch is climbing with pinnate leaves and tendrils.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lupinus albifrons var. johnstonii native to California?
Yes. Lupinus albifrons var. johnstonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lupinus albifrons var. johnstonii bloom?
Lupinus albifrons var. johnstonii blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Lupinus albifrons var. johnstonii belong to?
Lupinus albifrons var. johnstonii is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lupinus.
Is Lupinus albifrons var. johnstonii rare or endangered?
Lupinus albifrons var. johnstonii carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S4.
What habitat does Lupinus albifrons var. johnstonii grow in?
Lupinus albifrons var. johnstonii grows in dry slopes under pines.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.