Lupinus rivularis

Lupinus rivularis (Fabaceae) is a robust, erect perennial or subshrub native to the coast of western North America from southern British Columbia to northern California. It grows to about 1 meter tall from a long taproot, producing thick, hollow, mostly hairless reddish stems and palmately compound leaves with 5 to 9 wide leaflets (2 to 4 cm each).

Riverbank lupine is a pioneer species that colonizes disturbed, dry soils, aided by its nitrogen-fixing root nodules and deep taproot. It is valued for erosion control and habitat restoration on coastal slopes and riverbanks. The species also has ornamental, medicinal, and wildlife forage value. Like other lupines, it may contain toxic alkaloids in its seeds.