Origin
Lupinus excubitus M.E. Jones ssp. austromontanus (Heller) Beauchamp, commonly known as Southern Mountain Lupine or Indian Valley Bush Lupine, is a species of plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a native Californian species, found in the southern Cascade Range, the northern Sierra Nevada, and the Coast Ranges.
Common Names
This plant has many common names including Southern Mountain Lupine, Indian Valley Bush Lupine, and Hidden Valley Lupine.
Uses
Lupinus excubitus M.E. Jones ssp. austromontanus has been traditionally used by Native Americans to treat a range of ailments including respiratory infections, arthritis, and fever. Currently, it is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens or wildflower meadows. It is also used to restore and stabilize disturbed areas, as the plant has root nodules that fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and improve soil fertility.
General Appearance
The plant typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet with a similar spread. It has hairy stems and leaves, which are pinnately compound with 5-9 leaflets. The flowers are arranged in erect, pea-like racemes, and are usually blue or purple. The lupine blooms in the spring and summer, and the seeds have the typical shape of other lupine species, a small flat bean-like pod.
Light Requirements
Lupinus excubitus M.E. Jones ssp. austromontanus (Heller) Beauchamp is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight to grow. It can withstand partial shade but will not bloom well. Hence, it is best to plant it in an open area with plenty of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species grows best in a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers, and cool, wet winters. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C). However, prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures can be detrimental to its growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Lupinus excubitus M.E. Jones ssp. austromontanus (Heller) Beauchamp prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil that is slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5). It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and gravel, as long as the soil is not compacted and does not retain water. The plant can also grow in rocky and sandy soils with low fertility, making it suitable for growing in a variety of settings from dry plains to mountainsides.
Cultivation Methods
Lupinus excubitus M.E. Jones ssp. austromontanus (Heller) Beauchamp is a hardy perennial plant that prefers well-draining, dry to medium soil. For optimal growth, the plant requires full-sun exposure in areas where daytime temperatures reach no more than 86°F and nighttime temperatures stay above 32°F. The plant has a relatively low water requirement and can tolerate a wide range of soils.
Watering Needs
To keep the plant healthy, it is recommended to water it moderately during its growing season. The plant requires less water in the winter months and is known to tolerate drought. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Lupinus excubitus M.E. Jones ssp. austromontanus (Heller) Beauchamp does not require frequent fertilization, but the use of slow-release fertilizers can promote the production of lush foliage and abundant blooms. It is recommended to fertilize the plant in early spring and again after flowering. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Deadheading the plant can encourage the production of additional blooms. It is recommended to do this regularly throughout the growing season. Prune the plant in the fall by cutting back the stems to a few inches above the soil surface. This helps to prevent the buildup of dead plant material, which can lead to an increased risk of disease and pest infestation.
Propagation of Lupinus excubitus M.E. Jones ssp. austromontanus (Heller) Beauchamp
Propagation of Lupinus excubitus M.E. Jones ssp. austromontanus (Heller) Beauchamp is mainly done through seeds. However, it can also be propagated through cuttings or division.
Seed Propagation
Lupinus excubitus M.E. Jones ssp. austromontanus (Heller) Beauchamp produces seeds in a pod. Wait until the pod matures and turns brown before harvesting. Collect the seeds from the pod and carefully remove all debris and damaged seeds. Soak the seeds overnight in warm water to soften the hard outer shell. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix about ¼ inch deep and keep the soil temperature around 60-70°F. Keep the soil evenly moist. Germination should occur in one to two weeks. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, you can transplant them to their permanent location.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings are taken from the stem tips of Lupinus excubitus M.E. Jones ssp. austromontanus (Heller) Beauchamp. Take a cutting that is 3-4 inches long and make a clean cut below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves on the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid location but out of direct sunlight. Roots should develop within four to six weeks but keep in mind success rates are low with this method.
Division Propagation
Lupinus excubitus M.E. Jones ssp. austromontanus (Heller) Beauchamp can also be propagated through division. However, it is not the preferred method as it can damage the plant. Divide the plant in the spring, just as new growth starts. Gently dig up the plant and use a clean, sharp knife to divide the roots. Ensure that each section has some roots and leaves. Plant each section in a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist until the new plants have established themselves.
Disease Management
Lupinus excubitus M.E. Jones ssp. austromontanus (Heller) Beauchamp is an important legume crop that is prone to different diseases. To ensure high yields and quality of the plant, the following management practices are recommended:
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases are the most common health problems that affect the plant. Fusarium wilt, root rot, and powdery mildew are some of the fungal diseases that affect the plant. The control measures used to manage these diseases include:
- Plant resistant varieties of the plant
- Frequent crop rotation
- Practicing proper irrigation management to avoid overwatering
- Sanitation practices to prevent the spread of fungal spores
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial diseases such as bacterial blight and crown and stem rot can also affect the plant. Management practices for controlling these diseases include:
- Sanitation practices to prevent the spread of bacteria
- Planting certified disease-free seeds or seedlings
- Applying copper-based fungicide early in the season to control the bacteria's spread
Pest Management
Several pests can affect Lupinus excubitus M.E. Jones ssp. austromontanus (Heller) Beauchamp, affecting its yields and quality. Below are some common pests and management practices:
Aphids
Aphids are sap-sucking insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing it to deform and wilt. The following management practices are recommended:
- Use of insecticidal soap or neem oil
- Blast off aphids with water sprays
- Apply sticky barriers to the plant's stem to trap the aphids
Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop. The following management practices are recommended:
- Use of insecticidal soap or neem oil
- Blast off leafhoppers with water sprays
- Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and control the pest population
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the plant's sap and leave a distinct webbing. The following management practices are recommended:
- Use of insecticidal soap or neem oil
- Applying predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis
- Practicing good irrigation management to avoid overwatering the plant
