Klamath lupine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Klamath lupine |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Lupinus |
| Species: | |
| Varietas: |
L. l. var. barbatus
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| Trinomial name | |
| Lupinus latifolius var. barbatus (L.F.Hend.) Munz
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The Klamath lupine (scientific name: Lupinus latifolius var. barbatus) is a very rare plant found only in parts of northeastern California and southeastern Oregon. It's sometimes called the bearded lupine. This plant is a special type, or variety, of the more common broadleaf lupine (L. latifolius). All lupines belong to the bean family, which includes peas and beans!
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Where Does the Klamath Lupine Live?
The Klamath lupine grows in specific areas from northeastern California up into southern Oregon.
Klamath Lupine's Favorite Home
This plant loves places that are a bit wet and shady, but it can also grow in sunny spots. You'll often find it on clay banks next to streams or at the edges of meadows. It usually lives in higher elevation forests where conifer trees grow.
How Does Fire Affect Klamath Lupine?
When there's a fire, the top part of the broadleaf lupine (which Klamath lupine is a type of) might get burned. But the plant usually survives because it has deep roots and special buds underground. These help it grow back after a fire.
Scientists have seen that broadleaf lupine often grows well after fires. It has been found to be common or even abundant in many places after a fire. However, scientists are still studying the best ways to use fire to help these plant populations.
Why is Klamath Lupine Special?
The Klamath lupine is a very rare plant. Because it's so rare, it has a special "sensitive species" status from the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Southwest Region. The California Native Plant Society also lists it as a plant of concern.
What Threatens Klamath Lupine?
One of the main threats to the Klamath lupine is grazing. This means animals eating the plants, which can prevent them from growing and reproducing.
How to Spot a Klamath Lupine
The Klamath lupine looks a lot like other types of L. latifolius. It could also be confused with another plant called L. polyphyllus var. burkei.
Where and When to Find It
You can find this plant growing at elevations between about 4,925 feet (1,500 meters) and 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) above sea level. It usually flowers, meaning its blooms appear, during June and July.
