Plants of the San Marcos Foothills Preserve

Lupinus hirsutissimus (stinging lupine)

Uncommon native annual herb found in open areas, including oak woodland on Vaqueros Sandstone in the higher parts of the Preserve. Often found after fires. Flowers are red-violet to magenta. Blooms winter though spring. Stiff hairs can be painful to the touch.

 

Lupinus hirsutissimus (stinging lupine) pictured in spring.

Lupinus hirsutissimus (stinging lupine) close up of leaves and stem.

Lupinus hirsutissimus (stinging lupine) close up of flowers. Pictured in spring.