Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus
Orange lupine
Photo: parent species Lupinus citrinus · (c) wonton_soup, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus (Orange lupine) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by golden-yellow flowers and granite soil habitat.
Orange lupine is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in central Sierra Nevada foothills in Fresno and Madera counties, growing in granitic soils of chaparral, foothill woodland, and yellow-pine forest openings at elevations of 600 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces striking gold-yellow flowers that dry to a translucent purple-tinged hue. Growing low to the ground with stems 10 to 27 centimeters tall, it forms compact clusters in open woodland areas. Its leaves are typical of lupines, with multiple leaflets arranged in a palmate pattern, creating a delicate, fan-like appearance. The diminutive size and vibrant gold flowers make this lupine a distinctive inhabitant of California's foothill landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 24 sympatric species; key features are golden-yellow flowers and granite soil habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Granitic soils, chaparral, foothill woodland, openings in yellow-pine forest
Elevation: 600-1700 m
California counties: Madera, Fresno
Bloom period
Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 var. citrinus native to California?
Yes. Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus bloom?
Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus grow?
Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus occurs in Madera, Fresno, at elevations of 600-1700 m.
What plant family does Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus belong to?
Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lupinus.
Is Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus rare or endangered?
Lupinus citrinus var. citrinus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.