Thermopsis californica var. semota

Velvety false-lupine

Family: Fabaceae · Type: perennial · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2

Velvety false-lupine is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern Peninsular Ranges in San Diego County, growing in meadows and pine/oak woodland at elevations of 1,000 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces yellow flowers with soft, velvety petals. Growing 30 to 50 centimeters tall with stems covered in long, wavy soft hairs that are generally appressed, it has a distinctively fuzzy appearance. Its leaves feature lanceolate to ovate stipules, with soft, wavy hairs giving the entire plant a plush, silvery-green texture. The plant's delicate yellow blooms and velvety surface make it a distinctive addition to its woodland habitat.

Habitat: Meadows, pine/oak woodland

Bloom period: Apr-Jun

Elevation: 1000-1500 m

Bioregions: s PR (San Diego Co.).

California counties: San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino

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