Yellow Bush Lupine
Lupinus arboreus
Also listed as Lupinus eximius, Lupinus fruticosus
Also known as Tree Lupine, Tree Lupin, Coastal Bush Lupine
Climate Match for your location
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A vigorous evergreen shrub bearing fragrant spikes of bright yellow flowers. Thrives in poor, dry soils and coastal conditions.
Why grow it
Yellow bush lupine establishes quickly in marginal sites where many ornamental shrubs struggle, particularly in sandy or gravelly soils with minimal amendment. Unlike herbaceous lupine species, its woody structure provides year-round presence and persistent branching for layered garden design. Its salt and wind tolerance makes it more reliable than most lupines in coastal gardens, though it flowers less prolifically than some herbaceous cousins in rich garden soil.
Watch out for
In mild climates with consistent moisture, this plant can become leggy and lose vigor after the first flush of flowers; periodic hard pruning after bloom helps maintain compact form. Self-seeding can be prolific in suitable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers is worth considering if volunteer seedlings become unwanted in the landscape.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A vigorous evergreen shrub bearing fragrant spikes of bright yellow flowers. Thrives in poor, dry soils and coastal conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Yellow Bush Lupine grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Yellow bush lupine establishes quickly in marginal sites where many ornamental shrubs struggle, particularly in sandy or gravelly soils with minimal amendment. Unlike herbaceous lupine species, its woody structure provides year-round presence and persistent branching for layered garden design. Its salt and wind tolerance makes it more reliable than most lupines in coastal gardens, though it flowers less prolifically than some herbaceous cousins in rich garden soil.
Watch out for
In mild climates with consistent moisture, this plant can become leggy and lose vigor after the first flush of flowers; periodic hard pruning after bloom helps maintain compact form. Self-seeding can be prolific in suitable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers is worth considering if volunteer seedlings become unwanted in the landscape.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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