Lupinus citrinus
Fragrant lupine
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Lupinus citrinus (Fragrant lupine) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by NONE sympatric - geographically isolated from all other species.
Fragrant lupine is a California native annual found in open grasslands and oak woodlands at moderate elevations. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces golden-yellow or white flowers in spiraled clusters 4 to 15 centimeters long. Growing 10 to 60 centimeters tall with soft white hairs, it develops an upright, slender form with delicate branching. Its leaves have 6 to 9 narrow leaflets, each 15 to 35 millimeters long and 3 to 10 millimeters wide, arranged along slender stems. The plant develops elongated seed pods 1 to 2 centimeters long, containing 3 to 8 granite-like seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: NONE sympatric - geographically isolated from all other species
Habitat and range
California counties: Fresno, Madera, Mariposa
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 citrinus native to California?
Yes. Lupinus citrinus is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Lupinus citrinus grow?
Lupinus citrinus occurs in Fresno, Madera, Mariposa.
What plant family does Lupinus citrinus belong to?
Lupinus citrinus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lupinus.
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.