Lupinus perennis – Wild Lupine (B&B.DR.DRGHT.EC.H.HMR.M.NB.OP)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

Wild lupine is a native perennial in the bean (Fabaceae) family.

It is a wildlife-friendly plant that produces showy blue flowers in spring and may die down in the heat of the summer. As with all plants in the bean family, it fixes nitrogen allowing it to tolerate poor-nutrient soil. Loss of habitat threats the wild lupine in some areas.

Multiple spikes of showy pea-shaped flowers appear in spring and early summer and are followed by 2-inch-long legumes. The compound leaves are attractive and appear on long stems. The plant prefers cool weather for growing and may be short-lived. They will spread by short rhizomes and seeds. Propagation is by root cuttings or seeds. Scarification of the seeds helps improve germination.

This plant prefers moist to dry acidic sandy loams and full sun to partial shade. It is adaptable to other soils but they must be well drained.

Use this plant in the middle of the border, in naturalized areas, in native gardens and the edge of woods.

Host plant for rare Karner Blue and tghe Frosted Elfin butterfly.