Lupinus magnificus var. hesperius
Mcgee meadow lupine
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Lupinus magnificus var. hesperius (Mcgee meadow lupine) is a native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by straight keel and short, stout pedicels.
McGee meadow lupine is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in upper montane conifer forests and desert scrub areas with sandy soil at elevations of 1,200 to 1,900 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces flowers approximately 10 to 13 millimeters long with distinctive blue or purple coloration. Growing with sturdy stems reaching up to 10 centimeters tall, it forms dense clusters in open meadow and scrub environments. Its compound leaves are typical of lupine species, with multiple leaflets arranged in a palmate pattern. The inflorescence is compact and structured, with stout pedicels supporting clustered blossoms.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 46 sympatric species; key features are straight keel and short, stout pedicels
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy soil, desert scrub, upper montane conifer forests
Elevation: 1200-1900 m
Bloom period
Lupinus magnificus var. hesperius blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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 magnificus var. hesperius native to California?
Yes. Lupinus magnificus var. hesperius is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lupinus magnificus var. hesperius bloom?
Lupinus magnificus var. hesperius blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Lupinus magnificus var. hesperius belong to?
Lupinus magnificus var. hesperius is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lupinus.
Is Lupinus magnificus var. hesperius rare or endangered?
Lupinus magnificus var. hesperius carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S1.
What habitat does Lupinus magnificus var. hesperius grow in?
Lupinus magnificus var. hesperius grows in Sandy soil, desert scrub, upper montane conifer forests.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Lupinus magnificus var. magnificus — Panamint mountain lupine
- Lupinus microcarpus — Chick lupine
- Lupinus microcarpus var. densiflorus — Secund chick lupine
- Lupinus microcarpus var. horizontalis — Rose chick lupine
- Lupinus microcarpus var. microcarpus — Shaggy haired chick lupine
- Lupinus milobakeri — Milo baker's lupine
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.