Jim Popenoe
River lupine
(Lupinus rivularis)
Every few years, river lupines bloom profusely in the Bald Hills prairies of Redwood National Park. Behind the lupines are Oregon white oaks and, behind them, a mountain slope covered with conifers. Bald Hills vegetation is diverse.
“River lupine” is a curious name for a plant so abundant high up in a grassland. While river lupine does occur along streams, it ranges much more widely. Lupines exploit soil disturbance. Some of the disturbances that favor this species are flooding along streams, earth slippage (as in the Bald Hills) and even human activities such as road building.
I took the photo on Mother's Day in 2001. When the lupines bloomed abundantly again on Mother's Day in 2014, I returned to the Bald Hills and shot a 360° panorama. Around Mother's Day is the optimal time of year to enjoy the lupines if they are putting on a good show.