Chamisso bush lupine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chamisso bush lupine |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lupinus
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| Species: |
chamissonis
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The Chamisso bush lupine (scientific name: Lupinus chamissonis) is a special type of lupine plant. It is found only in California, which means it is endemic to that state. You can spot this plant growing along most of California's coastline. It loves sandy places like sand dunes and other areas right by the ocean.
What Does the Chamisso Bush Lupine Look Like?
The Chamisso bush lupine is a shrub that spreads out and looks quite bushy. It usually grows about 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet) tall.
Leaves and Stems
Each leaf on the plant looks like a hand with fingers. It has 5 to 9 small leaflets, each about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long. The whole plant, including its stems and leaves, is covered in soft, silvery hairs. This gives it a unique, shiny look.
Flowers and Fruits
The flowers of the Chamisso bush lupine grow in clusters. These clusters are called an inflorescence. The flowers are arranged in circles, or whorls, around the stem. Each flower is about 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches) long. They are usually light purple or blue. Each flower also has a bright yellow spot on its top petal, which is called the banner.
After the flowers bloom, the plant produces fruits. These fruits are hairy pods, similar to pea pods. They are called legume pods and grow to be about 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters (1 to 1.4 inches) long.
