Lupinus formosus var. robustus
Robust western lupine
Photo: parent species Lupinus formosus · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Lupinus formosus var. robustus (Robust western lupine) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by thicker stems and larger flowers than var. formosus.
Robust western lupine is a California native perennial found in the northern Sierra Nevada foothills, central Sierra Nevada, Great Valley, southern Coast Ranges, and southwestern California in valley grassland habitats at elevations below 1,500 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces flowers 16 to 18 millimeters long with typical lupine coloration. Growing with sturdy stems 5 to 7 millimeters in diameter, it forms substantial clumps in open grassland areas. Its compound leaves feature multiple leaflets typical of lupine species, creating a distinctive palmate arrangement. The plant's robust growth and compact stem structure make it a notable component of California's native grassland ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 71 sympatric species; key features are thicker stems and larger flowers than var. formosus
Habitat and range
Habitat: Valley grassland
Elevation: < 1500 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Colusa, San Diego, Ventura, Madera, Fresno, Kern, Merced, Butte, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Tehama, Kings, Solano, Stanislaus, Alameda, San Joaquin, Mendocino, Napa, Tuolumne, Lake, Contra Costa, Sonoma, Santa Clara, Glenn, San Benito
Bloom period
Lupinus formosus var. robustus blooms Apr-Jun.
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 formosus var. robustus native to California?
Yes. Lupinus formosus var. robustus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lupinus formosus var. robustus bloom?
Lupinus formosus var. robustus blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Lupinus formosus var. robustus grow?
Lupinus formosus var. robustus occurs in Los Angeles, Colusa, San Diego, Ventura, Madera, Fresno, Kern, Merced and other counties, at elevations of < 1500 m.
What plant family does Lupinus formosus var. robustus belong to?
Lupinus formosus var. robustus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lupinus.
What habitat does Lupinus formosus var. robustus grow in?
Lupinus formosus var. robustus grows in Valley grassland.
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.