Quick answer: Miniature lupine (Lupinus bicolor) is native to 4 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 24 Oct 2026.
Photo: (c) Caleb Catto, some rights reserved (CC BY), Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry |
| Soil | Sandy, well-drained |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-Jun |
| Height | 6-16 in |
| Wildlife value | Native bees, butterfly host |
Seeds and foliage toxic to livestock and people if eaten
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 24 Oct 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Miniature lupine
Where is Miniature lupine native?
Miniature lupine (Lupinus bicolor) is native to Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Miniature lupine bloom?
Miniature lupine blooms Mar-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Miniature lupine need?
Light: Sun. Water: Dry. Soil: Sandy, well-drained. Mature height: 6-16 in.
Is Miniature lupine good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Native bees, butterfly host.
Is Miniature lupine deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Miniature lupine is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
Is Miniature lupine toxic?
Seeds and foliage toxic to livestock and people if eaten.
Where can I buy Miniature lupine?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 24 Oct 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Lupinus bicolor by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Miniature lupine.
- California poppy Eschscholzia californica
- California flannelbush Fremontodendron californicum
- Arroyo lupine Lupinus succulentus
- Desert globemallow Sphaeralcea ambigua
- Globe gilia Gilia capitata
- Narrowleaf milkweed Asclepias fascicularis
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.