Overview
Lupinus arboreus Sims var. fruticosus (Sims) S. Wats. is a shrub in the family Fabaceae. It is native to California and Oregon and is commonly known as bush lupine or tree lupine.
Appearance
Bush lupine grows up to 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It has alternate, palmate leaves with 7-11 leaflets. The flowers are a vibrant blue or purple color, arranged in a cone shape on a long stem. The plant blooms from March to May and produces a seedpod that is hairy, compressed, and curved.
Uses
Bush lupine has a number of uses. It is a popular plant for landscaping and erosion control due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. Its flowers provide nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Additionally, it has a long history of medicinal use by Indigenous people for a variety of ailments.
Bush lupine is also a valuable food source for humans and wildlife. The seeds are edible when roasted and ground into a flour and can be used to make porridge or bread. The plant is also a host for the larvae of various butterfly species, including the endangered mission blue butterfly.
In conclusion, Lupinus arboreus Sims var. fruticosus (Sims) S. Wats. is a beautiful and valuable plant with a rich history of use by humans and wildlife alike.Growth Conditions for Lupinus arboreus Sims var. fruticosus (Sims) S. Wats.
Lupinus arboreus Sims var. fruticosus (Sims) S. Wats., commonly known as tree lupine, is a tropical plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the West Coast of North America and commonly found in California, United States. For optimal growth, there are specific growth conditions that you should follow when planting tree lupine.
Light Requirements
Tree lupines grow best in areas that receive at least six hours of full sunlight each day. The plant can be grown in partial shade, but it needs direct sunlight to flower and thrive. It is also important to note that the plant prefers a Mediterranean climate and thrives in mild coastal climates.
Temperature Requirements
Tree lupine has a moderate tolerance for both heat and cold, allowing it to thrive in a wide range of temperatures. The plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20°F to 90°F, but it thrives in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F.
Soil Requirements
Tree lupine thrives in well-draining soils with a neutral or slightly acidic pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The plant prefers soils that are rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, so it is a good idea to use a fertilizer with these components when planting your tree lupine. The plant is also well-suited to coastal soils, as it is tolerant of salt spray, sandy soils and sandy loams typical of coastal regions.
Overall, with the right care and maintenance of the aforementioned, establishing tree lupine in your garden should not be a trouble.
Cultivation Methods
Lupinus arboreus Sims var. fruticosus (Sims) S. Wats., commonly known as the tree lupine, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that is native to the coastal bluffs and dunes of California and Oregon. When cultivating tree lupines, it is important to plant them in well-draining soil with plenty of sun exposure. They can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but prefer sandy or gravelly soils with moderate to low fertility. Planting should be done in the fall or early winter, after the first few rains of the season have helped settle the soil.
Watering Needs
Tree lupines are drought-tolerant once established. They require moderate watering during their first growing season, but once they have become established, they require little to no supplemental irrigation. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, with a focus on maintaining good soil drainage. Overwatering can be detrimental to tree lupines, as they are sensitive to root rot.
Fertilization
Tree lupines do not require fertilizer once established. In fact, excess fertilizer can reduce flowering and result in leggy growth. If the soil is poor, it is best to amend it before planting with organic matter such as compost or aged manure, rather than relying on chemical fertilizers. This will provide the necessary nutrients without over-fertilizing.
Pruning
Tree lupines do not require regular pruning, but selective pruning can help maintain their shape and promote flowering. Dead or damaged growth should be removed as soon as possible. Annual pruning of up to one-third of the plant can help rejuvenate old shrubs and promote new growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Propagation of Lupinus arboreus Sims var. fruticosus (Sims) S. Wats.
Lupinus arboreus Sims var. fruticosus (Sims) S. Wats., commonly known as bush lupine, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Bush lupine can be grown from seeds which are produced in pods after the flowering period. To propagate through seeds, pods should not be allowed to dry out completely on the plant. Once the pods turn brown and begin to open, they should be harvested and left in a warm and dry place to finish opening and releasing the seeds. Seeds can then be gathered and stored in a cool, dry place until sowing.
To sow the seeds, they should be planted directly into the soil in the fall or early spring. The soil should be well-draining and not too rich in nutrients. Seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart.
Asexual Propagation
Bush lupine can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings should be taken from new growth in the spring or early summer. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and have at least 2-3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Insert the cutting into a well-draining potting mix and cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Place in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight. The cutting should root in about 4-8 weeks.
Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into its permanent location in the garden. It is recommended to plant the cutting in a shaded area for the first few weeks to prevent sun damage to the new plant.
Disease and Pest Management of Lupinus arboreus Sims var. fruticosus (Sims) S. Wats.
Lupinus arboreus Sims var. fruticosus is a low-maintenance plant that is native to the California coast range and blooms in late winter to early spring. However, it is still susceptible to some common diseases and pests that can affect its growth and appearance. Here are some tips on how to manage them:
Common Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Lupinus arboreus is susceptible to fungal diseases such as Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, and root rot. These can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and the plant to wilt or die.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial diseases such as bacterial leaf spot and crown gall can cause the leaves to have brown spots or lesions and the stem to become swollen or distorted.
To manage these diseases, it is important to provide good growing conditions for the plant. Make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid watering the leaves. You can also use fungicides or bactericides to treat the plant if the diseases persist. Remove any infected plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are common pests that can attack Lupinus arboreus and cause distorted growth and yellowing of the leaves. These pests suck the sap from the plant, reducing its vigor and eventually killing it.
Thrips: Thrips can cause the leaves to have silvery streaks or stippling and can damage the flowers. These pests feed on the plant's fluids and transmit viruses that can cause damage to the plant.
To manage these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to spray the plant. You can also release natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the aphids. It's important to monitor the plant regularly and take action at the first sign of a pest infestation.
By following these tips, you can keep your Lupinus arboreus Sims var. fruticosus healthy and free of diseases and pests.
