Lupinus argenteus var. montigenus
Long petioled silver lupine
(c) Tim Messick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tim Messick · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Lupinus argenteus var. montigenus (Long petioled silver lupine) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by exceptionally long petioles.
Long petioled silver lupine is a California native perennial found in central Sierra Nevada and eastern Sierra Nevada in dry, open montane forest and sagebrush scrub at elevations of 2,500 to 3,500 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces blue to violet flowers with a distinctive yellow to cream-colored spot on the banner. Growing 20 to 40 centimeters tall with densely silver-hairy stems and a spreading growth habit, it has distinctively long leaf stalks measuring 7 to 15 centimeters. Its leaves feature palmate leaflets with notably long petioles, creating an elegant, silver-touched appearance. The flowers are compact, measuring 9 to 12 millimeters long, with a banner petal that has short hairs on its back surface.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 56 sympatric species; exceptionally long petioles are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, open montane forest, sagebrush scrub
Elevation: 2500-3500 m
California counties: Mono, Inyo, Alpine, Tuolumne
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Lupinus argenteus var. montigenus blooms Jul-Aug.
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 argenteus var. montigenus native to California?
Yes. Lupinus argenteus var. montigenus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lupinus argenteus var. montigenus bloom?
Lupinus argenteus var. montigenus blooms Jul-Aug.
Where in California does Lupinus argenteus var. montigenus grow?
Lupinus argenteus var. montigenus occurs in Mono, Inyo, Alpine, Tuolumne, at elevations of 2500-3500 m.
What plant family does Lupinus argenteus var. montigenus belong to?
Lupinus argenteus var. montigenus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lupinus.
What habitat does Lupinus argenteus var. montigenus grow in?
Lupinus argenteus var. montigenus grows in Dry, open montane forest, sagebrush scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.