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Native Plant Society of Texas

Big Bend Bluebonnet

Lupinus havardii

Other common name(s):

Big Bend Lupine, Havard Bluebonnet, Chisos Bluebonnet

Family:

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts
Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

3
to
6
ft.

Spread

2
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Annual

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Gravelly, Limestone, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Blue, Purple

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Forage, Nectar, Pollen, Larval Host, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Browsers, Butterflies, Nectar Insects, Deer, Bees

Maintenance

Low maintenance, drought tolerant. The tallest of the Bluebonnets, looks gorgeous when planted in mass. Excellent for flower borders, prairies and meadows, any xeric, native or high desert garden, cactus garden or xeriscape. Prune out any dead stems in early spring. WARNING: plants in the genus Lupinus, especially the seeds, can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms February-April. Much taller than most bluebonnets. The flowers are very deep blue with a lemon blotch. Palmate leaves are divided into seven leaflets. The fruit is a long bean-like seed pod. Larval host: Sulphurs.

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) Wasowski, Sally and Wasowski, Andy, Native Texas Plants, Landscaping Region by Region, 1988, 1991, pg 158. 3) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 48, 53. 4) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=11280&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 5) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LUHA, 6) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=26025#null, 7) https://www.gardenia.net/plant/lupinus-havardii, 8) http://www.highplainsgardening.com/plant-profiles/leucophyllum-minus

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Scarification Big Bend Bluebonnet seeds have a hard seed coat that benefits from scarification to improve germination rates. Gently nick the seed coat with a file or sandpaper, or soak the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours to soften them. This helps the seeds absorb water more readily and speeds up germination. Sow seeds directly outdoors in the fall. Seeds can handle light frost and germinate best in cooler temperatures. Fall sowing allows the seeds to experience natural cold stratification over the winter. Scatter the seeds on the soil surface and cover lightly with soil, about 1/4 inch deep. Press them gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Water gently to keep the soil moist until seeds germinate. https://pemdasgarden.com/products/lupinus-havardii-big-bend-bluebonnet-authentic-seeds-perennial-gmo-free-flower-seeds-asian-garden-herbs-8113?
Stem Cutting Remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting in well-draining soil, making sure the remaining leaves are above the soil line. Water well and keep the cutting in a humid environment until new growth is observed. Cut a stem with at least two nodes in early spring or fall. https://www.botanikks.com/plants/lupinus-havardii-s-wats/546817/1
Clump Division Plant these sections in well-draining soil and water well. Dig up a mature plant in the early spring or fall and use a sharp tool to divide the plant into several sections, each with its own root system. https://www.botanikks.com/plants/lupinus-havardii-s-wats/546817/1

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason