Sky Lupine
Lupinus nanus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Sky Lupine (Lupinus nanus) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sky lupine is a charming annual wildflower with delicate blue to purple pea-like blooms that appear in spring. It grows in a compact, bushy form and produces attractive palmate leaves. This low-water native adds a splash of color in spring gardens and works well in meadow plantings.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sky Lupine is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Annual life cycle means seasonal dieback
- Can look untidy after flowering
- May self-seed unpredictably
Wildlife value
Host plant for blue copper butterfly.
Sky lupine is highly attractive to native bees and butterflies, providing valuable nectar and pollen during its spring bloom period. It can be an important food source for certain butterfly larvae.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sky Lupine need?
- Sky Lupine grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Sky Lupine bloom?
- Sky Lupine blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Sky Lupine native?
- Sky Lupine (Lupinus nanus) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Sky Lupine toxic to dogs?
- Sky Lupine is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Sky Lupine toxic to cats?
- Sky Lupine is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What butterflies or moths does Sky Lupine host?
- Sky Lupine is a larval host plant for blue copper butterfly.
- Is Sky Lupine HOA-friendly?
- Sky Lupine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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 Sky Lupine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz