Discover the beauty of the western United States with Lupinus albicaulis, also known as Sickle-Keel Lupine. A stout perennial, this plant native to the regions from Washington to California thrives in mountainous environments. Distinguished by its erect framework, the Sickle-Keel Lupine can achieve a height over 3 ft. Its foliage features palmate leaves composed of five to ten leaflets each stretching up to 3 inches long, covered in delicate silky hairs. This lupine variety distinguishes itself with luxuriant flower clusters, which can reach up to 17 inches long, manifesting whorls of flowers in shades varying from purple to yellow and white. Each flower is unique with its sickle-shaped keel. Furthermore, by late May through early July, the lupine adorns itself with a crown of slit-shaped flowers, that fade to brown before setting seeds. This striking plant thrives best on open, dry slopes found at higher elevations, withstanding drought and deer when established. The sickle-keel lupine proves to be not just a visual delight but also an ecologically beneficial plant, fixing nitrogen, helping revegetate disturbed habitats and also serving as a food source and larval host for butterflies and native bees. Experience nature's resiliency and charm with the Sickle-Keel Lupine!
