ExplorePlants

Large-leaved lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus

Large-leaved lupine is a colorful flower that grows in big clusters. Its leaves are wide and can look like a hand with many fingers. These flowers are great for gardens and attract butterflies!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Large-leaved lupine has tall, stately spires of densely packed, pea-like flowers, typically in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white. Its large, palmate leaves are divided into 9-17 leaflets, resembling a fan, often with a silvery underside.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusLupinus
Large-leaved lupine
flowering trait badgenitrogen_fixing trait badgecluster_flower trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Large-leaved lupine

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its seed pods can explosively twist open, flinging seeds like tiny rockets!

Lupine flowers on a spike often bloom from the bottom upwards!

Sometimes, this plant is called 'quaker bonnets' because of its flower shape!

The name 'lupine' comes from 'lupus,' the Latin word for wolf!

Special abilities

Ability

Soil Power-Up

Large-leaved lupine can team up with tiny soil bacteria to grab nitrogen from the air, enriching the ground for itself and neighbors.

Ability

Poison Shield

Large-leaved lupine has special chemicals called alkaloids in its seeds and leaves that protect it from hungry animals.

Ability

Deep Drinker

Large-leaved lupine has a long, strong taproot that can reach deep underground to find water, helping it survive drier times.

Measurements & details

Height
60-150 cm
Spread
60-90 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Mix-faced bumblebee

Bombus mixtus

Feeds on nectar and collects pollen from flowers.

symbiotic with

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Rhizobium leguminosarum

Lives in root nodules, converting atmospheric nitrogen for the plant.

eaten by

Elk

Cervus canadensis

Browses on foliage and flowers, especially when other forage is scarce.

eats

Deer mouse

Peromyscus maniculatus

Consumes the seeds from the plant's pods.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch wild flowers, as some might not be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Large-leaved lupine?

60-150 cm

How wide does Large-leaved lupine spread?

60-90 cm

How big are the flowers on Large-leaved lupine?

1-2 cm

When does Large-leaved lupine bloom?

Summer

Is Large-leaved lupine edible?

No

Is Large-leaved lupine toxic?

Mild

What is Large-leaved lupine's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Large-leaved lupine pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Plants