Lupinus citrinus var. deflexus
Mariposa 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. deflexus (Mariposa lupine) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by white/pink flowers and taller stature.
Mariposa lupine is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in central Sierra Nevada foothills in Mariposa County, growing in granitic or sandy soils of chaparral and foothill woodland at elevations of 400 to 600 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces white flowers with delicate pink or lavender tints, with banner petals that occasionally dry to a translucent yellow. Growing 30 to 60 centimeters tall with an upright, branching habit, it develops slender stems that spread across the landscape. Its leaves are compound with multiple leaflets, typical of lupine species, arranged palmately along the stems. The plant's distinctive coloration and delicate flower structure make it a charming example of California's endemic annual wildflowers.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 24 sympatric species; key features are white/pink flowers and taller stature
Habitat and range
Habitat: Granitic or sandy soils, chaparral, foothill woodland
Elevation: 400-600 m
California counties: Mariposa
Bloom period
Lupinus citrinus var. deflexus blooms Apr-May.
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. deflexus native to California?
Yes. Lupinus citrinus var. deflexus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lupinus citrinus var. deflexus bloom?
Lupinus citrinus var. deflexus blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Lupinus citrinus var. deflexus grow?
Lupinus citrinus var. deflexus occurs in Mariposa, at elevations of 400-600 m.
What plant family does Lupinus citrinus var. deflexus belong to?
Lupinus citrinus var. deflexus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lupinus.
Is Lupinus citrinus var. deflexus rare or endangered?
Lupinus citrinus var. deflexus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
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.