Lupinus caudatus

(Tailcup Lupine)

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Lupinus caudatus, Newcastle-Buford Rd., White River Plateau, Garfield Co. 5946

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Lupinus caudatus, Newcastle-Buford Rd., White River Plateau, Garfield Co. 5946-2

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Lupinus caudatus, Newcastle-Buford Rd., White River Plateau, Garfield Co. 5962

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Lupinus caudatus, Newcastle-Buford Rd., White River Plateau, Garfield Co. 5951

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Lupinus caudatus, Newcastle-Buford Rd., White River Plateau, Garfield Co. 5959

Scientific Name Lupinus caudatus USDA PLANTS Symbol LUCA
Common Name Tailcup Lupine ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 25981
Family Fabaceae (Pea) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to subalpine (5300 to 10500 ft); dry or moist meadows and open areas, roadsides.
Plant: Erect perennial 8 to 24 inches tall with 1 to several reddish-purple stems extending above the foliage.
Leaves:Palmately-divided leaves on long petioles with 5 to 9 leaflets, each narrowly elliptic to lanceolate, up to 2 inches long; flat or folded, hairy surfaces.
Inflorescence: Many pea-like blossoms arranged in a raceme 2 to 8 inches long atop each stem; corolla light to dark blue, purple or white; banner lighter blue or whitish in the middle, upward-curving and usually hairy on the back; calyx with a short spur.
Bloom Period: May to September.
Fruit: Hairy seed pods 3/4 to 1 inch long containing 4 to 6 seeds.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, American Southwest, US Forest Service Fire Effects Information System and Montana Field Guide.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains