How much sun does Miniature lupine need?

Miniature lupine grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Miniature lupine bloom?

Miniature lupine blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Miniature lupine native?

Miniature lupine (Lupinus bicolor) is native to AZ, CA, MI, OR and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Miniature lupine toxic to dogs?

Yes. Miniature lupine is listed as toxic to dogs by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN) (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Miniature lupine toxic to cats?

Yes. Miniature lupine is listed as toxic to cats by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN) (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

What pollinators does Miniature lupine attract?

Miniature lupine draws native bees and bumble bees.

Miniature lupine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lupinus bicolor

Last reviewed: September 2026

Miniature lupine (Lupinus bicolor) is a annual forb native to AZ, CA, MI, OR and 1 more states. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw native bees and bumble bees.

Miniature lupine is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN) (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-20). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–14" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, CA, MI, OR and 1 more states

Pollinators

native bees, bumble bees

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A small annual lupine with palmate leaves and short spikes of blue-purple flowers marked with white. It grows in dense stands in open grassland, adding color to spring meadows.

Growing Miniature lupine

Grow Miniature lupine in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 14 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Like other lupines, it fixes nitrogen in the soil and its flowers provide pollen for native bees and bumble bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Miniature lupine need?: Miniature lupine grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Miniature lupine bloom?: Miniature lupine blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Miniature lupine native?: Miniature lupine (Lupinus bicolor) is native to AZ, CA, MI, OR and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Miniature lupine toxic to dogs?: Yes. Miniature lupine is listed as toxic to dogs by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN) (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Miniature lupine toxic to cats?: Yes. Miniature lupine is listed as toxic to cats by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN) (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Miniature lupine attract?: Miniature lupine draws native bees and bumble 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

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