Rusty Lupine
Lupinus pusillus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–12" H × 2"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Rusty lupine is a compact annual wildflower that stays very low to the ground, reaching only 2-12 inches tall. It produces small spikes of lupine flowers from April through June and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal water needs.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rusty 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.
- Very small size makes it appear weedy in formal landscapes
- Annual nature means it disappears entirely each year
- Wild appearance doesn't fit conventional landscaping expectations
Wildlife value
This native lupine supports bees and butterflies during its 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 Rusty Lupine fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.