The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to an abundant variety of flora that cover the Landmarks, including the vibrant sight of the arroyo lupine. Known by the scientific name of lupinus succulentus, and a member of the Pea family, this annual wildflower has dense spikes of sweetly fragrant flowers that typically have a purple-blue hue. Arroyo lupine can be found throughout California, as well as Arizona and Baja California.
Arroyo lupine plants grow in a variety of different habitats, including the chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats found on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Due to the tremendous amount of precipitation this past year, these colorful wildflowers have been growing in abundance throughout Orange County. But beware, people and pets should never eat the leaves, stems, seeds or roots of this plant as all parts of an arroyo lupine are toxic.
Arroyo lupine plants grow in a variety of different habitats, including the chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats found on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Due to the tremendous amount of precipitation this past year, these colorful wildflowers have been growing in abundance throughout Orange County. But beware, people and pets should never eat the leaves, stems, seeds or roots of this plant as all parts of an arroyo lupine are toxic.
The arroyo lupine is more water-tolerant than other lupine species, which makes this flower a great choice for a home garden, and a vital resource for native pollinators. A distinguishing characteristic of lupines is the shape of their leaves. Their leaf shape is called “palmate”, as the leaf resembles an open hand. The bright green leaves of an arroyo lupine are “compound”, meaning that they are composed of several leaflets. The leaves are designed to trap water and channel it down to the soil. These droplets run down the leaves and into the ground, providing water to their roots. On a foggy morning, hiking through the Landmarks, you may notice water droplets gathering on the leaves.
This plant species is one of the more than 50 species grown at Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm, where it is used along with other native plants for restoration projects. Next time you are out on the Landmarks, keep an eye out for these stunning flowers! To learn more about native plant species throughout Orange County, visit IRConservancy.org, LetsGoOutside.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
This plant species is one of the more than 50 species grown at Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm, where it is used along with other native plants for restoration projects. Next time you are out on the Landmarks, keep an eye out for these stunning flowers! To learn more about native plant species throughout Orange County, visit IRConservancy.org, LetsGoOutside.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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