Chick Lupine
Lupinus microcarpus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Lupinus microcarpus (Chick Lupine) is a native wildflower blooming March through June across Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. This drought-tolerant forb attracts bees and butterflies with its blue flower spikes.
Chick Lupine (Lupinus microcarpus) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Lupinus microcarpus, commonly known as chick lupine, is a colorful annual wildflower native to parts of western North America. It produces attractive spikes of blue-purple flowers in spring and early summer above a compact mound of palmate foliage. Plants reseed readily in favorable conditions but are not aggressive spreaders.
Growing Chick Lupine
Grow Chick Lupine in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Chick Lupine is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation.
- Can look untidy after blooming
- May self-seed and appear somewhat random/informal
- Annual nature means seasonal gaps without proper planning
Wildlife value
Host plant for orange sulphur butterfly.
This lupine is an excellent pollinator plant, particularly attractive to native bees and butterflies. It serves as a nectar source for adult butterflies and a host plant for certain butterfly larvae.
Common questions
- When does Chick Lupine bloom?
- Chick Lupine blooms from March through June, producing distinctive blue flower spikes during spring and early summer.
- Where is Lupinus microcarpus native?
- Chick Lupine is native to five western states: Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
- What pollinators visit Chick Lupine?
- Chick Lupine attracts bees and butterflies, which are its primary pollinators and benefit from the nectar in its flower spikes.
- How much water does Lupinus microcarpus need?
- Chick Lupine is drought-tolerant and requires low water once established, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Is Chick Lupine toxic to dogs?
- Chick Lupine is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Chick Lupine toxic to cats?
- Chick Lupine is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Chick Lupine HOA-friendly?
- Chick Lupine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Chick Lupine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz