Gray's Lupine
Lupinus grayi
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Gray's Lupine (Lupinus grayi) 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
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, NV, OR
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Lupinus grayi is a compact native lupine that forms neat clumps of silvery-green palmate leaves. It produces tall spikes of purple-blue pea flowers from May through July, creating an attractive mid-border display.
In an HOA neighborhood
Gray's Lupine is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Seed pods may look untidy if not deadheaded
Wildlife value
Host plant for silver blue butterfly.
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the long blooming season. As a member of the pea family, it also fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Common questions
- How much sun does Gray's Lupine need?
- Gray's Lupine grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Gray's Lupine bloom?
- Gray's Lupine blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Gray's Lupine native?
- Gray's Lupine (Lupinus grayi) is native to CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Gray's Lupine host?
- Gray's Lupine is a larval host plant for silver blue butterfly.
- Is Gray's Lupine HOA-friendly?
- Gray's Lupine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Gray's Lupine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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