Velvet lupine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Velvet lupine |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lupinus
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| Species: |
leucophyllus
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Lupinus leucophyllus is a type of plant called a lupine. It is commonly known as the velvet lupine because of its soft, fuzzy leaves. This plant grows naturally in western North America. You can find it in mountains, prairies, and flat plateau areas.
About the Velvet Lupine
The velvet lupine is a strong plant that grows year after year. It can grow up to about 90 centimeters (about 3 feet) tall. It has many branches and stands upright.
What It Looks Like
Each leaf on the velvet lupine looks like a hand with fingers. It has 7 to 11 small leaf parts, called leaflets. Each leaflet can be up to 7 centimeters (about 3 inches) long. The whole plant is covered in soft, white, woolly fibers and stiff hairs. This gives it a fuzzy, velvet-like feel.
The flowers grow in a dense cluster called a raceme. This means many flowers are packed closely together on a single stem. Each flower is about one centimeter long. They are usually purple but can fade to brown. The top petal of the flower, called the banner petal, often has a yellow or brownish spot. The pointed parts under the flower, called sepals, are also hairy. The back of the banner petal is fuzzy too.
Why It's Important
The velvet lupine is one of several types of lupines that can be harmful to animals. It contains natural chemicals called alkaloids. These chemicals can make grazing animals, like cows or sheep, sick if they eat too much of the plant.
