Riverbank lupine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Riverbank lupine |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lupinus
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| Species: |
rivularis
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The Lupinus rivularis, also known as the riverbank lupine, is a beautiful wild plant. It is a type of lupine that grows naturally in North America. You can often find this plant near rivers and along coastlines.
Contents
Where the Riverbank Lupine Grows
The riverbank lupine is found in western North America. It grows from southern British Columbia in Canada all the way down to northern California in the United States.
Coastal Homes of the Riverbank Lupine
This plant especially loves to live near the coast. You can spot it in famous places like Olympic National Park and Redwood National and State Parks. It also thrives at Point Reyes National Seashore, which is a beautiful coastal area.
What the Riverbank Lupine Looks Like
The riverbank lupine is a strong, upright plant. It can be a herb that lives for many years (a perennial herb) or a small, woody plant called a subshrub. It often grows to be about one meter (around 3 feet) tall.
Stems and Leaves
The stem of this plant is usually smooth, without much hair. It is thick, hollow inside, and often has a reddish color. Each leaf looks a bit like the palm of your hand with fingers spreading out. These leaves are made up of 5 to 9 smaller, wide leaf parts called leaflets. Each leaflet is about 2 to 4 centimeters (about 1 to 1.5 inches) long.
Flowers and Seeds
The flowers of the riverbank lupine grow in a tall cluster called a raceme. Many flowers are grouped together, sometimes in rings around the stem. The flowers are usually light purple, and they often have white parts or shades within them. After the flowers bloom, they turn into a fruit called a legume pod. These pods are a bit hairy and can grow up to 7 centimeters (about 3 inches) long. As they get older, the pods turn a dark color.
