David L. Morgan
Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
Lupinus texensis
Plant Common Name
Bluebonnet, Texas Lupine
General Description
The Texas lupine is a small bushy annual, that will sometimes survive as a short-lived perennial. The compact plant puts forth short spikes of blue and white flowers that appear in spring, when the growing conditions in Texas are most favorable. When they first open, the pea-like blooms are blue with white centers, and as they age the white centers turn purple. Insect pollinators know not to visit the older purple-centered flowers. Flowers are followed by dark, pea-like pods. Bluebonnet leaves are silvery green and divided into five pointed leaflets, which give plants a jagged look.
Though many of its large and showier lupine kin grow and bloom best in cool climates, bluebonnet is from hot and humid Texas, where it readily naturalizes in open fields. In the garden, bluebonnet prefers loose, sandy soil, requires full sun and is best grown in naturalistic plantings. When growing bluebonnet from seed, nick the hard seed coats with a file to allow the seeds within to take up water and properly germinate.
Though often called "bluebonnet" this species should be distinguished from the true state flower of Texas, Lupinus subcarnosus, or the Texas bluebonnet.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
11 - 8
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Annual
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
10"-12" / 25.4cm - 30.5cm (10)
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Width
8"-10" / 20.3cm - 25.4cm (9)
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Texas
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Blue, Purple
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Fruit Color
Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Mixed Border, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes
