Lupinus excubitus var. excubitus – “Grape Soda Lupine”

Also Known As: Adonis Lupine
Family: Legume, Bean (Fabaceae)
Bloom Period: May-Jul
Form: Perennial herb
Habitat: Gravelly soil, rocky slopes, and occasionally sand
Leaves: Palmately-compound, covered with tiny hairs that give them a silver sheen; alternate
Translation: “Lupinus” is Latin for “wolf,” because it was falsely believed that Lupine robbed the soil of fertility. In actuality, like many species in the Legume Family, Lupine improves its habitat by capturing (“fixing”) nitrogen from the air and adding it to the soil. “Excubitus,” derived from the Latin verb, “to watch over,” can be translated as “vigilant” or “sentinel” and refers to its tall, upright growth habit. So another common name for this species could be “Watchful Wolf.”
Notes: There are dozens of species of Lupine in the Southwest U.S., but this one is distinguished by its scent, which actually does smell like grape soda. What are the chances? Also named after the Greek god, Adonis – the archetype of handsome youths – for its great beauty.
Animal Associations: Seeds eaten by Gambel’s Quail. Food plant for larvae of Boisduval’s Blue butterfly.