Coulter's Lupine
Lupinus sparsiflorus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, NV, UT
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Coulter's lupine is a compact annual wildflower that produces spikes of blue to purple pea-like flowers from March through June. This wildflower grows 6-24 inches tall with palmate leaves and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Coulter's Lupine takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual lifecycle creates gaps in plantings
- Can appear weedy or unkempt between seasons
- Wildflower appearance may seem too informal for front yards
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the spring blooming period. As a member of the legume family, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
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.
Does Coulter's Lupine fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.