Lupinus magnificus var. magnificus
Panamint mountain lupine, Panamint Mountains Lupine
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Lupinus magnificus var. magnificus (Panamint mountain lupine) is a native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by CNPS 1B.2, distinguished by larger flowers and longer inflorescences.
Panamint mountain lupine is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in northern eastern Sierra Nevada and northern Mojave Desert regions in desert slopes, washes, and pinyon/juniper woodland at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces purple to blue flowers in dense, elongated clusters 30 to 45 centimeters long. Growing with erect stems 30 to 45 centimeters tall, it forms robust clumps with sturdy, upright growth. Its compound leaves have multiple leaflets arranged in a palmate pattern, typically green to gray-green with a soft, silky texture. The flowers are relatively large, measuring 16 to 18 millimeters long, with distinctive pedicels less than 4 millimeters thick.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 46 sympatric species; CNPS 1B.2, distinguished by larger flowers and longer inflorescences
Habitat and range
Habitat: Desert slopes, washes, pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: 1500-2500 m
California counties: Inyo
Bloom period
Lupinus magnificus var. magnificus blooms May-Jun(Jul).
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.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 magnificus var. magnificus native to California?
Yes. Lupinus magnificus var. magnificus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lupinus magnificus var. magnificus bloom?
Lupinus magnificus var. magnificus blooms May-Jun(Jul).
Where in California does Lupinus magnificus var. magnificus grow?
Lupinus magnificus var. magnificus occurs in Inyo, at elevations of 1500-2500 m.
What plant family does Lupinus magnificus var. magnificus belong to?
Lupinus magnificus var. magnificus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lupinus.
Is Lupinus magnificus var. magnificus rare or endangered?
Lupinus magnificus var. magnificus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.