Lupinus latifolius var. viridifolius
Small flowered broadleaf lupine, Bearded Lupine
(c) George Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by George Williams · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 3.2
Lupinus latifolius var. viridifolius (Small flowered broadleaf lupine) is a native California perennial in the Fabaceae family, recognized by small flower size.
Small flowered broadleaf lupine is a California native perennial found in the Modoc Plateau in moist areas at elevations of 1,000 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces blue to purple flowers 8 to 10 millimeters long in compact clusters. Growing 40 to 60 centimeters tall with strigose stems that are solid and upright, it forms a compact herb-like structure. Its compound leaves have multiple leaflets arranged palmately, creating a distinctive palmate leaf pattern. The fruit is a typical lupine pod, characteristic of the species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 25 sympatric species; key feature is small flower size
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist areas
Elevation: 1000-2500 m
Outside California: southern Oregon
Bloom period
Lupinus latifolius var. viridifolius blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 3.2
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 latifolius var. viridifolius native to California?
Yes. Lupinus latifolius var. viridifolius is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lupinus latifolius var. viridifolius bloom?
Lupinus latifolius var. viridifolius blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Lupinus latifolius var. viridifolius belong to?
Lupinus latifolius var. viridifolius is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lupinus.
Is Lupinus latifolius var. viridifolius rare or endangered?
Lupinus latifolius var. viridifolius carries California Rare Plant Rank 3.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Lupinus latifolius var. viridifolius grow in?
Lupinus latifolius var. viridifolius grows in Moist areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.