Lupine, a member of the pea family, is a fast-growing forb found throughout much of the watershed. Although its seed is not broadly distributed, when ground litter is removed through a fire disturbance, the seeds split and quickly sprout, creating additional food and cover for deer and elk, upland game birds, and small nongame birds and mammals. Lupine also acts as a nitrogen fixer, enabling it to colonize soils with poor range conditions. Most importantly, lupine acts as a soil stabilizer after a fire, and is sometimes used in emergency rehab efforts; however, the lupine found here, sprouted naturally.

Lupine is toxic to domestic livestock (it has no effect on wildlife), but is often found intermixed with other grasses and forbs desired by cattle and sheep. However, livestock typically find it unpalatable.

Fireweed thrives after a burn