Hill’s Lupine: A Rare Desert Gem Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about native plants and conservation, Hill’s lupine (Lupinus hillii) might just capture your heart—though you’ll need to be extra thoughtful about how you go about growing it. This lesser-known member of the lupine family is a true southwestern specialty that deserves our attention and protection.
What Makes Hill’s Lupine Special?
Hill’s lupine is a perennial forb native to the American Southwest, specifically found in Arizona and New Mexico. As a forb, it’s an herbaceous flowering plant that lacks woody stems above ground, instead emerging fresh each growing season from perennial roots. This hardy desert dweller has adapted to life in some pretty challenging conditions, making it a fascinating addition to the right garden setting.
A Conservation Concern
Important: Before you start dreaming of lupine-filled landscapes, there’s something crucial you need to know. Hill’s lupine has a Global Conservation Status of S3, meaning it’s considered vulnerable. This classification indicates the species is either very rare throughout its range or faces other factors that make it susceptible to disappearing from the wild.
With typically only 21 to 100 known occurrences and an estimated 3,000 to 10,000 individuals remaining, this isn’t a plant to take lightly. If you’re considering growing Hill’s lupine, please ensure you source it responsibly—never collect from wild populations, and only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their own stock.
Growing Hill’s Lupine: What We Know
While specific cultivation information for Lupinus hillii is limited, we can draw some educated conclusions based on its native habitat and family characteristics:
- Climate: Adapted to arid southwestern conditions with hot summers and mild winters
- Soil: Likely prefers well-draining soils typical of desert environments
- Water: Once established, probably quite drought-tolerant like other desert natives
- Sun exposure: Most likely thrives in full sun conditions
Why Consider Hill’s Lupine?
Despite the conservation concerns (or perhaps because of them), there are compelling reasons to consider this plant:
- Conservation impact: Growing responsibly sourced Hill’s lupine helps preserve genetic diversity and could support conservation efforts
- Native plant gardening: Perfect for authentic southwestern native plant landscapes
- Pollinator support: Like other lupines, likely provides nectar and habitat for native pollinators
- Unique character: Adds a rare, special element to desert gardens
The Bottom Line
Hill’s lupine represents both an opportunity and a responsibility for native plant gardeners. Its vulnerable status means we need to approach it with extra care and respect. If you’re lucky enough to find responsibly propagated plants, you’ll be participating in conservation while adding a truly special southwestern native to your garden.
However, if Hill’s lupine proves difficult to source ethically, consider other southwestern lupine species or native legumes that can provide similar ecological benefits without the conservation concerns. The key is supporting our native ecosystems while being mindful of rare species protection.
Remember: when it comes to vulnerable species like Hill’s lupine, our gardening choices can make a real difference in conservation outcomes. Choose wisely, source responsibly, and enjoy being part of the solution.
