How much sun does Stinging annual lupine need?

Stinging annual lupine grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Stinging annual lupine bloom?

Stinging annual lupine blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Stinging annual lupine native?

Stinging annual lupine (Lupinus hirsutissimus) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Stinging annual lupine toxic to dogs?

Yes. Stinging annual 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 Stinging annual lupine toxic to cats?

Yes. Stinging annual 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 butterflies or moths does Stinging annual lupine host?

Stinging annual lupine is a larval host plant for silvery blue.

Stinging annual lupine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lupinus hirsutissimus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Stinging annual lupine (Lupinus hirsutissimus) is a annual forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees.

Stinging annual 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

12"–24" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

Pollinators

bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

An upright annual covered in stiff, mildly irritating hairs, with dense spikes of reddish-purple pea-shaped flowers in spring. Found in dry chaparral and disturbed openings.

Growing Stinging annual lupine

Grow Stinging annual lupine in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for silvery blue.

Flowers feed native bees, and the foliage hosts silvery blue butterfly caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Stinging annual lupine need?: Stinging annual lupine grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Stinging annual lupine bloom?: Stinging annual lupine blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Stinging annual lupine native?: Stinging annual lupine (Lupinus hirsutissimus) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Stinging annual lupine toxic to dogs?: Yes. Stinging annual 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 Stinging annual lupine toxic to cats?: Yes. Stinging annual 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 butterflies or moths does Stinging annual lupine host?: Stinging annual lupine is a larval host plant for silvery blue.

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

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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