Biodviersity of Richmond, British Columbia
Lupines of Richmond
Five species of lupines have now been reported for Lulu Island, the largest and most developed island in Richmond.
Lupinus arboreus (yellow bush lupine) (introduced invasive)
Lupinus bicolor (two-coloured lupine, miniature lupine) (native)
Lupinus littoralis (seashore lupine) (native)
Lupinue polyphyllus (large-leave lupine) (native)
Lupinus rivularis (streambank lupine) (Endangered, SARA-listed) (native)
Planted Russell hybrids are found in several spots on Lulu Island, including Garry Point Park. They appear in some locations along the dyke.
These are generally easy to distinquish. The endangered streambank lupine is most easily confused with the seashore lupine, but can be easily separated from this. While seashore lupine has long silky hairs on stems and undersides of the leaves that are very visible to the eye, streambank lupine has short appressed hairs on the stem and undersides of leaves that are almost invisible to the eye. Seashore lupine is generally a smaller, sprawling plant, while streambank lupine is usually a more erect, generally larger plant (although weed brushing can damage the plants and make them appear more sprawling)--although it can sprawl..
Comparison between Lupinus rivularis and Lupinus littoralis
 |
 |
|
| Lupinus littoralis--note hairy stem | Lupinus rivularis--note apparently hairless stem | |
 |
 |
|
| Lupinus littoralis, hairs give plant a silvery sheen | Lupinus rivularis | |
 |
 |
|
| Lupinus littoralis--more sprawling growth form, plants low to the ground | Lupinus rivularis--compact growth form, plants erect | |
Lupinus rivularis in Richmond 2007
Other lupines of Richmond
 |
 |
|
| Lupinus polyphyllus--habit, large robust plants | Lupinus polyphyllus--flowers | |
 |
 |
|
| Lupinus bicolor--habitat, these plants are tiny | Lupinus bicolor--flowers, generally blue and white | |
 |
 |
|
| Lupinus arboreus hybrid (arboreus x littoralis) | Flower from Lupinus arboreus hybrids found in Surrey (arboreus x littoralis)--colour range on plants | |
Return the Biodiversity of Richmond home page
Page updated January 27, 2010.