How much sun does Streambank lupine need?

Streambank lupine grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Streambank lupine bloom?

Streambank lupine blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Streambank lupine native?

Streambank lupine (Lupinus rivularis) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Streambank lupine host?

Streambank lupine is a larval host plant for silvery blue.

Streambank lupine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lupinus rivularis

Last reviewed: September 2026

Streambank lupine (Lupinus rivularis) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bumble bees and native bees.

Toxicity unknown

Streambank lupine (Lupinus rivularis) 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

medium

Size

24"–48" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bumble bees, native bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A short-lived, upright perennial with palmate leaves and tall spikes of blue-purple pea flowers in spring. Grows on streambanks and gravel bars, and can flop or lodge somewhat after a heavy bloom.

Growing Streambank lupine

Grow Streambank lupine in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for silvery blue.

Flowers are a strong nectar source for bumble bees, and the foliage is a larval host plant for the silvery blue butterfly.

Common questions

How much sun does Streambank lupine need?: Streambank lupine grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Streambank lupine bloom?: Streambank lupine blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Streambank lupine native?: Streambank lupine (Lupinus rivularis) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Streambank lupine host?: Streambank lupine is a larval host plant for silvery blue.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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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