How much sun does Coulter's Lupine need?

Coulter's Lupine grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Coulter's Lupine bloom?

Coulter's Lupine blooms in March, April, May, and June.

Where is Coulter's Lupine native?

Coulter's Lupine (Lupinus sparsiflorus) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Coulter's Lupine attract?

Coulter's Lupine draws bees and butterflies.

Is Coulter's Lupine HOA-friendly?

Coulter's Lupine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Coulter's Lupine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

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

Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Coulter's Lupine need?: Coulter's Lupine grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Coulter's Lupine bloom?: Coulter's Lupine blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is Coulter's Lupine native?: Coulter's Lupine (Lupinus sparsiflorus) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Coulter's Lupine attract?: Coulter's Lupine draws bees and butterflies.
Is Coulter's Lupine HOA-friendly?: Coulter's Lupine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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 Coulter's Lupine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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