Parish’s Lupine
Lupinus latifolius var. parishii
Family: Pea (Fabaceae; old, Leguminosae)
Habitat: open dry areas, under pines
Characteristics: Many species of lupines grow in the San Jacinto Mountains. They may be tiny, half-inch tall, woolly plants with minuscule flowers or towering plants with dinner plate sized leaves. In the Long Valley area two-foot-tall plants grow on dry slopes and under open pines while the smaller species grow near the creek and in brushy areas. The flowers are indigo-purple typical pea flowers. The palmate leaves make lupine easily identifiable.
Blooms: late June through August; LV to the peak along all trails; all over below ski center
Comments: Lupine is considered toxic to most livestock, including horses, but its relative, alfalfa is a major livestock feed. Like peas and beans, lupine is a legume.
Photo: © Colin Barrows