Lupinus peirsonii
Peirson's lupine, Peirson's Lupine
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Lupinus peirsonii (Peirson's lupine) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by CNPS 1B.3, distinctive yellow flowers and broad leaflets.
Peirson's lupine is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the southern inner coast ranges in loose gravel, montane conifer forest, pinyon and juniper woodland, and Joshua tree woodland at elevations of 1,000 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces yellow flowers 10 to 12 millimeters long with a banner back that is generally hairy. Growing 30 to 60 centimeters tall with erect, branched stems emerging just above ground, it forms a silver-silky perennial herb with a clustered base. Its leaves have 5 to 8 broadly oblanceolate leaflets, each 25 to 70 millimeters long and 10 to 30 millimeters wide, with stipules 15 to 20 millimeters long. The fruit is a silky pod 3 to 4 centimeters long, containing 3 to 5 seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 29 sympatric species; CNPS 1B.3, distinctive yellow flowers and broad leaflets
Habitat and range
Habitat: Loose gravel, montane conifer forest, pinyon/juniper woodland, Joshua tree woodland
Elevation: 1000-2500 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Riverside, Kern
Bloom period
Lupinus peirsonii 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 peirsonii native to California?
Yes. Lupinus peirsonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lupinus peirsonii bloom?
Lupinus peirsonii blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Lupinus peirsonii grow?
Lupinus peirsonii occurs in Los Angeles, Riverside, Kern, at elevations of 1000-2500 m.
What plant family does Lupinus peirsonii belong to?
Lupinus peirsonii is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lupinus.
Is Lupinus peirsonii rare or endangered?
Lupinus peirsonii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, 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.