Silky lupine

Lupinus sericeus

Drought tolerant, native perennial legume with vivid blue flowers, blooming May to August. Adapted to a broad range of soil textures but most common on coarse, well-drained sites. Performs well in soils with low fertility; poor in acidic or saline soils. Occurs on dry grasslands, sagebrush deserts, shrublands and open woodlands, often on repeatedly disturbed sites; up to 11,000 ft. elevation. Eaten by deer, bighorn sheep, birds and small mammals. Poisonous to livestock, especially sheep. Attracts hummingbirds and numerous native bees; nectar source for honeybees.