Yellow bush lupine Lupinus arboreus
ABOUT
Lupinus arboreus, commonly known as the yellow bush lupine, is a perennial plant recognizable by its upright, bushy habit. The foliage consists of palmate leaves, which are made up of several leaflets radiating out from a central point, giving them a hand-like appearance. These leaves are typically grey-green to blue-green in color, with a soft, hairy texture. The most distinctive feature of the yellow bush lupine is its flowering spikes. The flowers are arranged in dense, elongated clusters at the tops of the stems, resembling a candlestick formation. Each flower spike is adorned with numerous small, pea-like flowers that are usually bright yellow, although sometimes they may have a bluish or purplish hue. These blooms are not only striking in their vivid color but are also quite fragrant, attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The stems of the yellow bush lupine are woody towards the base, giving the plant a shrubby appearance. The overall structure of the plant is rounded, contributing to its bush-like aspect. After the flowering period, the plant produces pods which contain seeds. The seed pods are generally hairy, turning from green to brown as they mature and dry. In summary, the yellow bush lupine's appearance is characterized by its bushy structure, palmate leaves, eye-catching and scented yellow flower spikes, and woody, rounded stems, contributing to its popularity in natural and cultivated landscapes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Yellow Bush Lupine, Tree Lupine, Bush Lupine, Blue Bush Lupine, Golden Lupine.
Common names
Lupinus arboreus.
ToxicityTo humans
Yellow bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus) is considered toxic due to the presence of alkaloids such as lupinine, anagyrine, and others that can be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning from consuming this plant can include digestive upset, nervousness, confusion, and occasionally respiratory depression. More severe poisoning can potentially lead to convulsions and coma. Ingesting any part of yellow bush lupine, especially in large quantities, poses a risk of these toxic effects.
To pets
In pets, yellow bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus) is toxic due to the alkaloid content, including substances like lupinine and anagyrine. Symptoms of toxicity in pets can manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, lethargy, and in severe cases can cause nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and potentially coma. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the yellow bush lupine to avoid these harmful consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
California
Benefits
General Benefits- Soil Improvement: Lupinus arboreus, commonly known as tree lupin, has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility for other plants nearby.
- Erosion Control: With its extensive root system, the tree lupin helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and disturbed areas.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The tree lupin provides shelter and food for a variety of insects, birds, and small mammals, increasing biodiversity.
- Ornamental Value: Known for its attractive yellow flower spikes, tree lupin is popular in gardens and landscapes for its aesthetic appeal.
- Drought Resistance: As a hardy plant, it is capable of surviving in areas with low water availability, making it suitable for drought-prone regions.
- Revegetation: Used in reforestation and habitat restoration projects, tree lupin can quickly establish in poor soils, providing a foundation for other plants to colonize.
Medical Properties- Diuretic: Lupinus arboreus has been traditionally used for its potential diuretic properties.
- Laxative: There is some evidence to suggest that the plant may have been used as a laxative in traditional practices.
- Anthelmintic: The plant has been thought to possess properties that could help expel parasitic worms from the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lupinus arboreus, commonly known as yellow bush lupine, is often used to stabilize sand dunes and prevent soil erosion due to its extensive root system.
- The decorative flowers of the yellow bush lupine are used in floral arrangements, adding a unique, natural wildflower look.
- In horticulture, yellow bush lupine serves as a nitrogen fixer, enriching the soil and benefiting nearby plants that require nitrogen-rich environments.
- Some beekeepers plant yellow bush lupine near their hives as a valuable pollen source for honeybees.
- Landscapers use yellow bush lupine explicitly for habitat restoration projects to support the local ecosystem and biodiversity.
- The seeds of the yellow bush lupine have historically been used to make dyes for coloring textiles.
- The dense brush of yellow bush lupine provides a natural habitat and shelter for small wildlife, including insects and birds.
- Due to its rapid growth and ease of spread, yellow bush lupine has been used for quick green coverage in areas devastated by fires or natural disasters to prevent secondary damage to the landscape.
- Gardeners value yellow bush lupine for its ability to repel certain pests and insects that might otherwise harm neighboring plants.
- Yellow bush lupine is sometimes incorporated into living fences and privacy screens due to its thick foliage and height.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Yellow bush lupine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Yellow bush lupine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innovation and Creativity: The Lupinus arboreus, commonly known as the Yellow Bush Lupine, is known for its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions. This adaptability symbolizes the power of innovation and creativity to flourish in challenging environments.
- Opportunity: Yellow Bush Lupine often appears after a disturbance in the environment, such as a fire. Its emergence symbolizes new opportunities and beginnings rising from the ashes of the old.
- Persistence: As a plant that is capable of withstanding tough conditions, the Yellow Bush Lupine symbolizes persistence and the will to push through difficulties.
- Transformation: Given its role in fixing nitrogen in the soil, thereby improving fertility for other plants, the Yellow Bush Lupine symbolizes transformation and the ability to bring about positive change in one's surroundings.
WaterThe Yellow Bush Lupine should be watered once every week or two, with deep watering that encourages root growth. It is best to use about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. During the hotter summer months, you may need to water more frequently, while in the rainy season, natural precipitation might suffice. Adjust watering if the plant shows signs of distress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves, which could indicate over- or under-watering.
LightYellow Bush Lupine thrives in full sun, so it is best to place it in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid locations that are overly shaded as this can lead to poor bloom development. An ideal spot for the Yellow Bush Lupine could be in an open garden area or against a south-facing wall where sunlight is ample.
TemperatureYellow Bush Lupine does well in a range of temperatures from about 60°F to 75°F. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F but should be protected from frost. The ideal temperature conditions for promoting growth and flowering are within this moderate range, and it is less tolerant to extreme heat over 90°F.
PruningPruning the Yellow Bush Lupine is recommended for shaping the plant and encouraging bushier growth. Prune after flowering, typically in the late summer, by deadheading spent blooms and cutting back up to one-third of the plant's height. Pruning can also promote a second, albeit smaller, bloom period in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYellow bush lupine prefers well-draining soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0). A soil mix of loam, sand, and peat with some organic matter is ideal to support its growth.
RepottingYellow bush lupine typically does not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. It should be repotted only when it has outgrown its current container or every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingYellow bush lupine tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity. Average room humidity is generally suitable for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Yellow Bush Lupine (Lupinus arboreus) begins as a seed, often lying dormant in the soil until conditions are favorable. Germination is triggered by a combination of warmth and moisture, leading to the emergence of a seedling with a pair of cotyledons (seed leaves) which soon develop into true leaves. The plant grows vegetatively, forming a rosette of leaves and establishing a deep root system. After reaching maturity, which can take from one to several years, the lupine produces spikes of yellow, sweetly scented flowers, primarily in the spring and early summer. Following pollination, often by bees, the flowers develop into pods containing seeds that, when mature, burst open to scatter new seeds around the parent plant. The Yellow Bush Lupine can live several years but is a relatively short-lived perennial and will eventually die, completing its life cycle, with its seeds carrying on its genetic legacy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The tree lupine, known scientifically as Lupinus arboreus, can be propagated successfully through seed sowing. The most popular method for propagation of the tree lupine is by planting its seeds, ideally in the autumn or early spring. To propagate, the seeds should first be scarified, which means gently scratching or nicking the seed coat to encourage germination. Soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours can also improve germination rates. After preparation, the seeds can be sown about a quarter of an inch (about 6 millimeters) deep in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within one to two weeks. Once established, seedlings can be transplanted outdoors to their final growing positions, ensuring they are spaced sufficiently apart to accommodate the mature size of the plant.
