How much sun does Chamisso bush lupine need?

Chamisso bush lupine grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Chamisso bush lupine bloom?

Chamisso bush lupine blooms in March, April, May, and June.

Where is Chamisso bush lupine native?

Chamisso bush lupine (Lupinus chamissonis) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Chamisso bush lupine attract?

Chamisso bush lupine draws bumble bees and native bees.

Chamisso bush lupine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lupinus chamissonis

Last reviewed: October 2026

Chamisso bush lupine (Lupinus chamissonis) is a perennial shrub native to CA. It blooms in March, April, May, and June. The flowers draw bumble bees and native bees.

Toxicity unknown

Chamisso bush lupine (Lupinus chamissonis) 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

24"–60" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

bumble bees, native bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A rounded, silvery-leaved shrub with dense spikes of blue-purple pea flowers. It grows on coastal dunes and bluffs, its silvery foliage and mounded form giving structure through the year.

Growing Chamisso bush lupine

Grow Chamisso bush lupine in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Like other lupines, it hosts nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its roots, and its flowers are a favorite of bumble bees and other native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Chamisso bush lupine need?: Chamisso bush lupine grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Chamisso bush lupine bloom?: Chamisso bush lupine blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is Chamisso bush lupine native?: Chamisso bush lupine (Lupinus chamissonis) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Chamisso bush lupine attract?: Chamisso bush lupine draws bumble bees and native bees.

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.

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Ready to grow Chamisso bush lupine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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