Lupinus luteolus, commonly known as Pale Yellow Lupine, is an annual herb that is native to the coastal mountain ranges of Oregon and California. It is often found in open habitats such as coastal prairies, grasslands, and disturbed areas. This species can vary greatly in size, ranging from 12 inches to over 5 feet tall, depending on environmental conditions. The palmate leaves are composed of 7 to 9 hairy leaflets, which give the plant a textured appearance. The inflorescence is a raceme of pale to bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer, and these flowers can sometimes exhibit blue or pinkish hues. The fruit is a hairy legume pod that typically contains 2 seeds, which are dispersed when the pod dehisces.

Pale Yellow Lupine is valued for its nitrogen-fixing abilities, which can improve soil fertility, making it a beneficial plant for restoration projects and naturalized garden settings. Its vibrant yellow flowers are also attractive to pollinators such as bees. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from moderate watering. Pale Yellow Lupine is not commonly used in formal garden settings but is excellent for wildflower meadows and ecological gardens. It is relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to fungal diseases in wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0