Origin
Lupinus sierrae-blancae Woot. & Standl. ssp. aquilinus (Woot. & Standl.) Fleak & D. Dunn, commonly known as the White Mountain lupine, is a species of flowering plant that is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Common Names
The White Mountain lupine has several common names, including Sierra lupine, Sky lupine, and White Mountain lupine.
Uses
The White Mountain lupine is primarily used as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful array of white and blue flowers. Additionally, the plant is highly valued for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
General Appearance
The White Mountain lupine is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 2 feet tall. The leaves are comprised of multiple leaflets arranged in a palmate shape, with each leaflet being oblong or lanceolate in shape. The flowers are borne on a spike and are white with shades of blue and purple. The plant blooms in late spring or early summer and produces seeds in pods. The roots of the plant have nodules that harbor nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which allow the plant to grow in areas with poor soil quality.
Light Conditions
Lupinus sierrae-blancae Woot. & Standl. ssp. aquilinus (Woot. & Standl.) Fleak & D. Dunn requires an ample amount of sunlight for optimal growth. The plant prefers to grow in areas with full to partial sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires an ideal temperature of 15 °C – 25 °C for optimal growth. The plant can grow in varying temperatures, but temperatures below 0°C may cause frost damage and temperatures above 30 °C may lead to wilting.
Soil Type and Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soils with a pH range of 6 to 8.5. The root system of the plant is relatively small so the soil needs to have enough nutrients to support it. The plant thrives in loamy soils, but it can also grow in sandy and clay soils.
Cultivation
The Lupinus sierrae-blancae Woot. & Standl. ssp. aquilinus (Woot. & Standl.) Fleak & D. Dunn is a wildflower native to the United States. The plant thrives in full sunlight, but it can also grow in light shade. It is adaptable to different soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil. Sow the seeds in the fall or early spring as they require cold stratification for germination. To assist the germination process, scarify or rub the seeds with sandpaper before planting.
Watering Needs
The plant should be watered regularly, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as it can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Water the plant from the base, and ensure that the water penetrates deep into the roots. During hot and dry weather conditions, increase watering frequency to prevent the plant from drying out.
Fertilization
Lupinus sierrae-blancae Woot. & Standl. ssp. aquilinus (Woot. & Standl.) Fleak & D. Dunn requires moderate fertilization. Apply fertilizer to the soil before planting in the spring. For established plants, feed them with balanced fertilizer in early spring, near the base, and not the leaves or flowers. Do not overfeed the plant as it can lead to excessive growth and may negatively affect the plant's health.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Lupinus sierrae-blancae Woot. & Standl. ssp. aquilinus (Woot. & Standl.) Fleak & D. Dunn is not required as it is a wildflower and is meant to grow naturally. However, it is recommended to remove any dead or damaged growth to improve the appearance. Cut back the stem to the base of the plant, leaving behind only healthy stems and foliage.
Propagation of Lupinus sierrae-blancae Woot. & Standl. ssp. aquilinus (Woot. & Standl.) Fleak & D. Dunn
Lupinus sierrae-blancae Woot. & Standl. ssp. aquilinus (Woot. & Standl.) Fleak & D. Dunn is typically propagated via seeds or cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Lupinus sierrae-blancae Woot. & Standl. ssp. aquilinus (Woot. & Standl.) Fleak & D. Dunn can be sown in the fall or spring in well-draining soil. Scarification of the seed coat can increase germination rate. Soaking seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting can also improve germination. Once planted, keep the soil moist until germination occurs.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings of Lupinus sierrae-blancae Woot. & Standl. ssp. aquilinus (Woot. & Standl.) Fleak & D. Dunn can be taken from the plant during spring or early summer. Select healthy, vigorous stems and take cuttings that are 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it moist until roots form. Rooting may take several weeks, but once the cutting has rooted it can be transplanted to the garden.
Disease Management
Lupinus sierrae-blancae Woot. & Standl. ssp. aquilinus (Woot. & Standl.) Fleak & D. Dunn is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on leaves and lower stems, eventually leading to defoliation and plant death. Implementing proper sanitation practices, such as removing infected plant material, can help control the disease. Fungicides can also be applied, but they must be used preventively and according to label instructions.
- Root and Crown Rots: These diseases are caused by fungi that infect the plant's root system and base of the stem. They can lead to wilting and plant death. To prevent root and crown rots, it is essential to provide well-draining soil, avoid over-watering, and remove infected plant material. Applying fungicides can also be helpful, but they must be used according to label instructions.
- Virus Diseases: There are several viruses that can affect Lupinus sierrae-blancae Woot. & Standl. ssp. aquilinus (Woot. & Standl.) Fleak & D. Dunn, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and mosaic patterns. Unfortunately, there is no cure for virus diseases, so the best course of action is to remove and destroy infected plants.
Pest Management
Lupinus sierrae-blancae Woot. & Standl. ssp. aquilinus (Woot. & Standl.) Fleak & D. Dunn is not frequently attacked by pests. However, some common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, curling, and distortion of leaves. Aphids can be controlled using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, can also be effective.
- Mites: These tiny pests also feed on the plant's sap, causing similar symptoms as aphids. Mites can be controlled using insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil.
- Snails and Slugs: These mollusks can feed on Lupinus sierrae-blancae Woot. & Standl. ssp. aquilinus (Woot. & Standl.) Fleak & D. Dunn, causing chewed leaves and stem damage. They can be controlled using traps, baits containing iron phosphate, or diatomaceous earth.
Regular inspection of the plant can help detect pests and diseases early, allowing for timely intervention and management.
