Garbancillo de chaparral

Lupinus albifrons is a perennial shrub, quickly growing anywhere from 2 ft (0.61 m) to 5 ft (1.5 m) tall and wide. It has a light blue to violet flower on 3–12 inches (7.6–30.5 cm) stalks. The leaves are silver with a feathery texture. It grows in sandy to rocky places below 5,000 feet (1,500 m).

Pollination of Lupinus albifrons is primarily done through various species in the genus Bombus. To deter pollinators from visiting flowers that have already been pollinated, the plant produces ethylene to change the spot on its banner petals from white/pale yellow to pink and then magenta as anthocyanins accumulate.

This plant grows as a wildflower in the hills and valleys of California. It requires good drainage and needs little water once the roots are established. When grown with tall fescue, a common grass used in California/Western Coast lawns, L. albifrons was shown to have decreased above-ground growth due to competition with the grass for soil space. Conversely, it was shown that the presence of the lupine could aid the growth of the tall fescue. Fresh seed of L. albifrons var. flumineus is said to need no stratification in order to germinate, while stored seed germination is aided by physical scarification or a hot-water treatment typical of many other leguminous plants. While a relatively easy to grow plant, L. albifrons can be relatively short lived for a perennial. Pruning in late winter can help rejuvenate old wood, and the plant may readily re-seed.