Common Name: Broadleaf Lupine, Columbia Gorge Broad-leaf Lupine

H&C lists 3 varieties. USDA lists 7 varieties on which only var. latifolius is found in WA.
The USDA has moved var. subalpinus into species L. arcticus and does not list the Columbia River Gorge var. thompsonianus.

var. latifolius: calyx/petiole/flower stem are generally not hairy (villous).
var. thompsonianus: has soft hairs (villous - soft, shaggy, unmatted hair) on leaves, stems, and especially calyx (as does var. arcticus). Found mainly in the Columbia River Gorge.

var. latifolius:
Common Name: Broadleaf Lupine
Note lack of hairs on calyx, stem and leaves.
5-11 leaflets getting broader at the tips.
Flowers are blue or purple.
Found Cascades and Olympic Mtns. at low to high elevations.

var. thompsonianus:
Common Name: Columbia Gorge Broad-leaf Lupine
Note soft hairs (villous - soft, shaggy, unmatted hair) on leaves, stems, and especially calyx (as does var. arcticus).
Found mainly in the Columbia River Gorge.
Plants are generally larger than 15 inches.