aka Dwarf Lupine, Low Mountain Lupine, Lupinus Lyallii. Of the four varieties of L. lepidus in Washington State’s flora this is var. lobbii. Small, silvery and spectacular! Only 1″ – 4″ (3 – 13 cm) tall the L. lepidus forms fairly large mats on barren ground. All parts of the plant are silky-silvered with long flattened hairs. The leaflets are folded like a ‘V’ perhaps to funnel water to the roots. Although the petals are deep blue the upper petal, called the banner, has a bright white ‘eye’ in its center. Occasionally seen in a white variety. Found on rocky ridges, talus and scree slopes and on pumice flats above 7,000′ elevation.