Brewer's lupine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brewer's lupine |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lupinus
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| Species: |
breweri
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Lupinus breweri, also known as Brewer's lupine or matted lupine, is a special kind of lupine plant. It grows mostly in California, but you can also find it in parts of Oregon and Nevada. This plant is quite common in mountain forests. Unlike some other lupines, Brewer's lupine is usually short and grows in a mat-like shape.
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What is Brewer's Lupine?
Brewer's lupine is a perennial herb. This means it's a plant that lives for more than two years. It often comes back year after year. It can sometimes even grow into a small, woody shrub. The plant has a hairy feel and a strong, woody base.
Where Does it Grow?
This plant loves to grow in the mountains. You can find it across much of California, especially in the higher areas. It also grows in nearby parts of Oregon and Nevada. It thrives in mountain forests and high meadows.
How Does it Look?
Brewer's lupine has unique features that help you spot it. It's known for its fuzzy leaves and pretty flowers.
Leaves and Stems
The leaves of Brewer's lupine spread out from its stem. Each leaf is shaped like a hand, which is called a palmate leaf. It has about 5 to 10 small leaflets. These leaflets are usually fuzzy or "woolly" and can be up to 2 centimeters (about 0.8 inches) long.
Flowers and Fruits
The flowers of Brewer's lupine grow in a tight cluster called an inflorescence. This cluster forms a dense spike, known as a raceme, that stands a few centimeters tall. Each individual flower is small, usually between 4 to 11 millimeters (about 0.16 to 0.43 inches) long. The flowers are typically blue or purple. They often have a white or yellowish spot on one of their petals, called the banner.
After the flowers bloom, the plant produces fruit. This fruit is a silky, hairy pod. It's a type of legume, which is like a pea pod. These pods are usually 1 or 2 millimeters (about 0.04 to 0.08 inches) long.
