Lupine
ExplorePlants
Lupine
Lupinus
Lupines are colorful flowers that grow in many places around the world. They come in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white, brightening up meadows and gardens.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Lupine has distinctive palmate leaves that resemble a hand and tall, showy flower spires. Its vibrant pea-like blossoms bloom in dense clusters, often in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white, making them easily recognizable.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusLupinus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Ancient lupine seeds, 10,000 years old, have sprouted when warmed!
Its name 'Lupine' comes from 'wolf' in Latin, once thought to 'steal' soil nutrients!
Lupine plants have leaves that cleverly fold up at night to save water.
Some varieties of lupine seeds are soaked and eaten like beans in the Mediterranean!
Special abilities
Ability
Soil Power-Up
Lupine can fix nitrogen from the air into the soil, helping itself and other plants grow stronger!
Ability
Thirsty Roots
Lupine has a deep taproot that helps it find water far underground, staying hydrated in dry places.
Ability
Chemical Shield
Lupine produces special bitter chemicals called alkaloids that can deter hungry animals from eating it.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-150 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Buff-tailed bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
symbiotic with
Rhizobium bacteria
Rhizobium leguminosarum
Forms nodules to fix nitrogen for the plant.
eaten by
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Browses on leaves and shoots, especially young plants.
Traits
Herbaceous
Herbaceous plants are non-woody plants with soft stems that typically die back to the ground at the end of the growing season.
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.
Biennial
Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering/seeding in the second.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Also known as
Lupin
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Enjoy looking at lupines, but avoid picking them to let them grow and spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Lupine?
30-150 cm
How wide does Lupine spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Lupine?
1-2 cm
When does Lupine bloom?
Spring to summer
Is Lupine edible?
No
Is Lupine toxic?
Moderate
What is Lupine's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is 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.
