Origin:
Lupinus lepidus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. torreyi (Gray ex S. Wats.) Jepson belongs to the family of Fabaceae and is native to California, Arizona, and Baja California in Mexico.
Common Names:
This plant is commonly known as Sierra lupine, miniature lupine, or Torrey's lupine.
Uses:
The Sierra lupine is widely used as a ground cover, as well as for erosion control in steep and rocky terrain. As a member of the Fabaceae family, Sierra lupine plants fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, making it available to surrounding plants. This makes it a useful plant for soil enrichment. It is also a valuable food source for wild animals.
General Appearance:
Sierra lupine is a small annual herb that grows up to 20cm in height. The stems are covered in short hairs and the leaves are palmately compound with 5-8 leaflets. The flowers bloom in springtime and are arranged in a tall, spiky cluster that can grow up to 15cm in length. The flowers are typically blue or purple but can also be white or yellow. The plant produces small, hairy and curled seed pods.
Light Requirements
Lupinus lepidus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. torreyi (Gray ex S. Wats.) Jepson typically grows best in full sun or partial shade. The plant requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, especially during its growth phase.
Temperature Requirements
Lupinus lepidus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. torreyi (Gray ex S. Wats.) Jepson prefers moderate temperatures between 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C) which are considered ideal for its growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, sandy loam or loamy soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic (pH range 5.5 to 6.5). The plant grows well in rocky, gravelly soils that have good drainage, but it can also grow in clay soil with a good structure that allows for water drainage to ensure the roots don't rot.
Cultivation Methods
Lupinus lepidus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. torreyi (Gray ex S. Wats.) Jepson, commonly known as Tolowa lupine, is a herbaceous plant native to California and Oregon in the United States. It is relatively easy to grow and can be propagated by either seed or stem cuttings. To propagate by seed, it is best to sow them directly into the ground in late fall or early winter and allow them to overwinter. Alternatively, the seeds can be scarified before planting to increase their germination rates. For stem cuttings, it is best to take them from mature plants in early spring.Watering Needs
Tolowa lupine prefers well-draining soil and regular watering. It is important to not overwater, as Tolowa lupine is susceptible to root rot. During the spring and summer months, it is recommended to water the plant once a week. During the fall and winter months, you can reduce the frequency of watering to once every two weeks.Fertilization
Tolowa lupine doesn't require much fertilization. If grown in nutrient-poor soil, it's best to add a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season to help give the plant a boost. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can cause excessive vegetative growth and inhibit the plant's ability to produce flowers.Pruning
Tolowa lupine will benefit from regular pruning to prevent overcrowding and encourage a bushier, more compact growth habit. It is best to prune in the late summer or early fall after the plant has finished blooming. Cut the stem back to just above the lowest leaf node. This will encourage the plant to produce more lateral shoots and will lead to a fuller, more robust plant.Propagation of Lupinus lepidus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. torreyi
Lupinus lepidus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. torreyi is a beautiful plant that can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cutting, and division. Each propagation method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before choosing the best method for the plant.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most popular method for propagating Lupinus lepidus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. torreyi. This method involves planting the seeds of the plant in a moist and nutrient-dense soil mixture. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 inches and should be kept at a temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
It typically takes 4-6 weeks for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Stem Cutting
Stem cutting is another propagation method that involves taking a stem cutting from the parent plant. The cutting should be at least 4 inches long and should be taken during the plant's active growing season.
The stem cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist until roots develop, which typically takes 2-3 weeks. Once the cutting has developed roots, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Division
Propagation through division is a method that involves dividing the parent plant into several smaller plants. This method is typically used for mature plants that have already developed a strong root system.
The plant should be dug up and divided into several sections, ensuring that each section has a strong root system and several growing points. The divided plants should be replanted into their respective locations and kept moist until they establish their root systems.
Disease Management
Lupinus lepidus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. torreyi is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include circular to irregular-shaped dark brown spots on leaves, stems, and pods. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant debris, provide adequate air circulation, and apply fungicides.
- Bacterial blight: This is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. Symptoms include water-soaked spots on leaves, which then turn brown and shrivel. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering, remove and destroy infected plant debris, and apply copper-based fungicides.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by the fungi Phytophthora and Pythium. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Fungicides can also be applied as a preventative measure.
Pest Management
Lupinus lepidus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. torreyi can also be damaged by various pests. Some of the common pests that affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from plant leaves and cause them to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, spray the plants with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap.
- Cutworms: These larvae of moths can cut through stems at the soil level and cause plants to wilt. To manage cutworms, handpick them off the plants at night or use a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Spider mites: These tiny, spider-like pests can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plants with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap.
