Noted for its showy floral display and pleasant fragrance, Lupinus rivularis (Riverbank Lupine) is a showy annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial boasting elongated clusters of purple-blue to white pea-like flowers from early spring to mid summer, depending on latitude and elevation. Lasting for about 2-4 weeks, the ravishing blossoms are borne atop tall, unbranched stems, well above the elegant foliage of palmately compound leaves. The flowers provide pollen and nectar for bumblebees and other native pollinators and beneficial insects. They are followed by sparsely hairy seed pods, which contain 6-10 seeds. Several species of birds use the seed for food. Birds, rabbits, and other small game use the abundant stems for cover. Riverbank Lupine grows from a deep taproot which penetrates the soil to a great depth (up to 5 ft.). It typically occurs in well-drained, sandy soils in British Columbia, west of the Cascades in Oregon and Washington, and in northwestern California below 500 m (1600 ft). Fast-growing, Riverbank Lupine is an excellent pioneer species for disturbed areas, helping with erosion control. It can also facilitate the establishment of grasses and other wildflowers in restoration seedings as a result of its ability to add nitrogen to the soil. It thrives on soils where other plants struggle, such as on sand dunes or roadside slopes.

• Grows up to 1-5 ft. tall (30-150 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in sandy or gravelly, well-drained soils. Best on soils low in nitrogen, such as sand dunes, cut slopes along roadsides, or dredge spoils, where competition is reduced.
• Propagated by seed. Seed should be scarified or soaked in hot water (180°F) to overcome physical dormancy and enhance germination rates.
• Native to California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.