Origin
Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus (Congd.) Jepson, commonly referred to as Lemon lupine, is native to California, in the United States.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Lemon lupine, Sierra lupine, or Golden lupine, among other names.
Uses
Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus has several uses, both for humans and animals. Historically, many Native American tribes used the plant's seeds and flowers for medicinal purposes. The plant is also an excellent source of food for animals, providing a rich source of nutrients to grazing animals. Lupine has also been used for re-vegetation and erosion control in disturbed areas.
General Appearance
Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus is a perennial herbaceous plant, with a deep root system that allows it to grow in nutrient-poor soils. The plant's stems are erect and can grow up to two feet tall, with several branches bearing dark green leaves. The flowers are clustered at the top of the stem, with each cluster containing up to 15 small yellow or lemon-colored flowers. The seeds are small and black and have an irregular spherical shape.
Light Requirements
Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus thrives in full sunlight, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. This plant prefers open sites with good light, as shade can cause it to become leggy and weak. The plant can tolerate some partial shade, but too much shade can impede growth and decrease flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is native to much of California and the southwestern United States, and it prefers moderate temperatures. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 90°F. However, it is not frost-tolerant, and freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plant. The best temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 80°F.
Soil Requirements
Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It can grow in soils with varying textures, from sandy to loamy to clay, but it prefers soils with good drainage. The plant requires soil that is rich in organic matter, as it does not tolerate soil that lacks nutrients. Additionally, this plant is adapted to growing in areas with low to moderate rainfall, so it is drought-tolerant once established.
Cultivation Methods
Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soil. The ideal soil for planting should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 6-7.5. This plant requires full sunlight to grow. Ensure that you plant it in a location with at least 6 hours of good sunlight per day. Plant the seeds at a depth of about two inches and space them between one and two feet apart.
Watering Needs
The plant needs to be watered deeply at least once a week, and more frequently during the hot summer months. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus can lead to root rot, which may damage or even kill the plant. Mulching around the plant can help to retain moisture in the soil while limiting weed growth.
Fertilization
Adding organic matter to the soil before planting can help enhance the fertility of the soil. Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus also requires regular fertilization to thrive. This plant requires a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant every three weeks during the growing season, while reducing the frequency as the plant gets established.
Pruning
Pruning is generally not necessary for Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus, However, the plant can benefit from deadheading. This process involves removing wilted or browning flowers to encourage the growth of new flowers. Another reason to deadhead is to prevent seeding and promote the plant's overall health. Deadheading can also help to prevent fungal diseases that affect the plant, such as rust and powdery mildew. Use sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the healthy parts of the plant.
Propagation of Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus (Congd.) Jepson
Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus (Congd.) Jepson is propagated through both seeds and cuttings. Here's a detailed look at both methods:
Propagation through Seeds
Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus (Congd.) Jepson can be propagated through seeds. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing so:
- Collect seeds from the existing plant before the seed pods burst open.
- Place the seeds in a jar of hot water for 24-48 hours to soften the hard seed coat. Change the water every 12 hours.
- After soaking, plant the seeds in well-draining soil and water them thoroughly.
- Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which should happen in 7-21 days.
- Thin the seedlings to ensure they have enough space to grow and mature properly.
- Transplant the seedlings to their permanent location when they are at least 4 inches tall.
Propagation through Cuttings
Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus (Congd.) Jepson can also be propagated through cuttings. Here's how:
- Take cuttings of the plant in late spring or early summer. Each cutting should be a 4-6 inch stem section.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
- Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil.
- Water the cutting and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
- Keep the soil moist and the cutting in bright, indirect light.
- In around 2-3 weeks, the cutting should have rooted and can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus (Congd.) Jepson
Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus (Congd.) Jepson, commonly known as the dwarf golden lupine, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to California. This species is relatively disease and pest resistant, but there are still some issues that may affect the plant's health and productivity.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that may affect the Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus is root rot, which is caused by fungi such as Fusarium and Phytophthora. The first symptom of root rot is wilting leaves, followed by stunted growth and eventual death. To prevent root rot, it is essential to avoid overwatering the plants and to make sure that the soil is well-drained. If root rot occurs, affected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent spreading the disease.
Lupin anthracnose is another disease that can damage the Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus. This fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant, causing small, circular spots that merge into brown or black patches. To prevent anthracnose, it is necessary to provide good air circulation around the plants and to avoid wetting the leaves when watering. If anthracnose appears, affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed.
Common Pests
The Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus is also susceptible to some pest infestations. The most common pests to affect the plant are aphids, which are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves and stems. To control aphids, it is possible to use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Ladybugs and lacewings are also natural predators of aphids and can help reduce their populations.
Spider mites are another pest that may infest the Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus, especially during hot, dry weather. These tiny pests are hard to notice with the naked eye because they are so small, but they can cause significant damage to the leaves by piercing the cell walls and sucking out the contents. To control spider mites, it is possible to use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. A strong stream of water can also be effective in knocking off spider mites from the plant's leaves.
Finally, snails and slugs may also damage the Lupinus citrinus Kellogg var. deflexus by feeding on the plant's stems and leaves. To prevent snails and slugs, it is possible to sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants. Copper strips or tape can also be effective in deterring these pests.
