Lupinus magnificus var. hesperius

Mcgee meadow lupine

Family: Fabaceae · Type: perennial · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3

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.

Habitat: Sandy soil, desert scrub, upper montane conifer forests

Bloom period: Apr-Jun

Elevation: 1200-1900 m

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.