Bush lupine
Lupinus arboreus
Last reviewed: October 2026
Bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus) is a perennial shrub native to CA, OR. It blooms in March, April, May, and June. The flowers draw bumble bees and native bees.
Toxicity unknown
Bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–72" H × 48"–72" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
bumble bees, native bees
Before you buy
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A fast-growing, mounding shrub with soft gray-green palmate leaves and tall spikes of fragrant yellow flowers. Coastal populations can become woody and sprawling with age.
Growing Bush lupine
Grow Bush lupine in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 48 to 72 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Host plant for silvery blue butterfly.
A larval host for the silvery blue butterfly and a heavily used nectar and pollen source for bumble bees.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bush lupine need?
- Bush lupine grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Bush lupine bloom?
- Bush lupine blooms in March, April, May, and June.
- Where is Bush lupine native?
- Bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Bush lupine host?
- Bush lupine is a larval host plant for silvery blue butterfly.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Bush lupine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.