Arctic Lupine

Lupinus arcticus

The Arctic Lupine is a beautiful flower that grows in cold places. It has bright purple petals and can be found in the tundra, bringing color to the snowy landscape.

Habitat: Tundra

Appearance

The Arctic Lupine has distinctive palmate leaves and tall, dense spikes of pea-like flowers, typically in vibrant blue or purple hues. Its compact form and sturdy stems help it stand out against the sparse Arctic landscape.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusLupinus

Arctic Lupine

Interesting facts

Arctic bumblebees 'buzz' to shake pollen from its flowers, like a tiny earthquake!

Its flowers can change color after pollination, signaling bees to visit other fresh blooms!

Its seeds are famous for sprouting after being frozen for over 10,000 years in permafrost!

The unique shape of its leaves helps collect precious water droplets from the Arctic air.

Special abilities

Arctic Lupine can germinate after thousands of years of dormancy, allowing it to re-establish in changing environments.

Arctic Lupine has special root nodules that fix nitrogen from the air, enriching poor Arctic soils for itself and other plants.

Arctic Lupine can grow a long taproot, helping it find water and nutrients in shallow, often frozen, Arctic ground.

Measurements & details

Height: 10-50 cm
Spread: 15-30 cm
Flower Size: 1-2 cm
Bloom Season: Summer
Edible: No
Toxicity: Moderate
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Arctic Bumblebee

Bombus polaris

Vital pollinator in the harsh Arctic environment

eaten by

Caribou

Rangifer tarandus

Leaves and shoots are part of their diet

eaten by

Arctic Ground Squirrel

Urocitellus parryii

Eats seeds and young plant parts

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Nitrogen Fixing

Describes organisms capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into compounds usable by plants.

Spring Blooming

Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.

Cold Hardy

Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.

Fragrant Flower

Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Tundra

This habitat trait refers to species inhabiting tundras, which are treeless biomes characterized by permafrost, cold temperatures, and low-growing vegetation.