Lupinus constancei
The lassics lupine
(c) Dee Shea Himes, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Lupinus constancei (The lassics lupine) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by serpentine habitat and restricted range.
The lassics lupine is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in northeastern North Coast Ranges, specifically in the Lassics area of southeastern Humboldt and southwestern Trinity counties, growing in serpentine barrens and lower montane coniferous forest openings at elevations of 1,500 to 2,000 meters. Flowering in July, this plant produces distinctive pink flowers with a light yellow spot and dark rose keel, approximately 8 to 12 millimeters long. Growing in a matted form with prostrate stems less than 15 centimeters tall, it features distinctively long and shaggy hairs covering its structure. Its leaves are clustered near the base, composed of 6 to 7 leaflets each 10 to 20 millimeters long and 8 to 10 millimeters wide. The fruit is a shaggy-hairy pod 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters long containing 3 to 5 tan seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; key features are serpentine habitat and restricted range
Habitat and range
Habitat: Serpentine barrens, openings in lower montane coniferous forest
Elevation: 1500-2000 m
Bloom period
Lupinus constancei blooms Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
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 constancei native to California?
Yes. Lupinus constancei is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lupinus constancei bloom?
Lupinus constancei blooms Jul.
What plant family does Lupinus constancei belong to?
Lupinus constancei is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lupinus.
Is Lupinus constancei rare or endangered?
Lupinus constancei carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Lupinus constancei grow in?
Lupinus constancei grows in Serpentine barrens, openings in lower montane coniferous forest.
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.