Big Bend Bluebonnet

Lupinus havardii, Fabaceae

Zones

7–10

Layer

Herbaceous

Lifespan

Annual

Growth

Moderate

Guild Roles

Nitrogen FixerGround CoverMulch MakerPollinator Attractor

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)

Water

Low (established)Low (seedling)Moderate (seedling)

Soil pH

6.5 – 8.5

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Sky LupineLupinus nanus

Nitrogen FixationPollinator SharingBeneficial Insect Habitat

James' Prairie CloverDalea jamesii

Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

Crested WheatgrassAgropyron cristatum

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Texas BlueweedHelianthus ciliaris

Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

Beaked PenstemonPenstemon rostriflorus

Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

Bigelow's SneezeweedHelenium bigelovii

Nitrogen FixationPest Deterrent

Scarlet GlobemallowSphaeralcea coccinea

Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

Orange SneezeweedHelenium hoopesii

Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

Yellow SpiderflowerCleome lutea

Nitrogen FixationShade Provision

Drummond's MilkvetchAstragalus drummondii

Nitrogen FixationWind ProtectionNurse Plant

Arizona PoppyKallstroemia grandiflora

Nitrogen FixationNurse Plant

Antagonistic Plants

Spreading WallflowerErysimum repandum

Brassica residues interfere with lupine root development and nodulation

Saramolla GrassIschaemum rugosum

Dense grass stands compete with lupines for soil moisture and nutrients

Swamp SmartweedPolygonum hydropiperoides

False waterpepper allelopathic properties can suppress lupine establishment

SourcloverMelilotus indicus

Different legume species can compete for rhizobial partners and root space

Phasey BeanMacroptilium lathyroides

Climbing bean competes with lupine for soil resources and may interfere with growth

ChaksuCassia absus

Cassia species can produce compounds that inhibit other legume growth

Purple Viper's BuglossEchium plantagineum

Viper's bugloss allelopathic compounds can interfere with legume root development

Uses

Functions

Nitrogen FixationErosion ControlDesert RevegetationWildlife Habitat

Common Questions

What zones does Big Bend Bluebonnet grow in?

Big Bend Bluebonnet grows in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10.

Is Big Bend Bluebonnet a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Big Bend Bluebonnet is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Big Bend Bluebonnet?

Good companions for Big Bend Bluebonnet include Sky Lupine, James' Prairie Clover, Crested Wheatgrass, Texas Blueweed, Beaked Penstemon.

Design guilds with Big Bend Bluebonnet and see companion relationships visually.

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