Broadleaf lupine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Broadleaf lupine |
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| Lupinus latifolius subsp. latifolius | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lupinus
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| Species: |
latifolius
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Lupinus latifolius is a beautiful wild flower. It is commonly known as the broadleaf lupine. This plant is a type of lupine. You can find it growing naturally across western North America. Its home stretches from British Columbia in Canada down to Baja California in Mexico. It also grows east into New Mexico. Broadleaf lupine is very common in many different natural places.
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What Does Broadleaf Lupine Look Like?
Broadleaf lupine is a plant that lives for many years. This means it is a perennial herb. It grows upright, like a small bush or a tall herb. These plants can be quite short, about 30 centimeters (1 foot) tall. But some can grow very tall, over two meters (6.5 feet) high! Their stems and leaves can be a bit hairy or almost smooth.
Each leaf on the broadleaf lupine looks like a hand. It has several smaller leaflets spreading out from one point. On larger plants, these leaflets can be up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) long.
Its Amazing Flowers
The plant produces many flowers on a tall stalk. This stalk is called an inflorescence. Sometimes the flowers grow in rings around the stalk. Each flower is about one to two centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) long. They can be purple, blue, or even white. The top petal of the flower, called the banner, often has a yellowish, pinkish, or white spot.
Where Does Broadleaf Lupine Grow?
This plant is found in many different types of natural areas. It can grow in mountains, valleys, and open fields. Its wide range shows how adaptable it is to various environments.
Special Types of Broadleaf Lupine
There are several different kinds of broadleaf lupine. Scientists call these subtaxa. They can be described as subspecies or varieties. Some of these types are common, while others are very rare. They can look a bit different from each other.
For example, one rare type is called Lupinus latifolius var. barbatus. This specific type grows only in a small area. It is found on the Modoc Plateau in northeastern California. You can also find it in nearby parts of Oregon and Nevada. When a plant grows only in one specific area, it is called endemic.
Another special type is dudleyi. This one is known only from the San Francisco Bay Area in California.
Broadleaf Lupine and Butterflies
Broadleaf lupine is very important for several types of butterflies. It acts as a "larval host" plant. This means that butterfly caterpillars eat the leaves of the lupine plant. They need it to grow and change into butterflies.
Some of the butterflies that use broadleaf lupine are:
- Boisduval's blue
- Common sulphur
- Orange sulphur
- Persius duskywing
- Silvery blue
These butterflies rely on the broadleaf lupine for their survival. It's a great example of how plants and animals depend on each other in nature.
