Wild Lupine
ExplorePlants
Wild Lupine
Lupinus perennis
Wild Lupine has tall spikes of colorful flowers that look like little towers! They help make the soil better for other plants.
Habitat: Sandy fields and roadsides
Appearance
The Wild Lupine has striking spikes of pea-like flowers, typically in vibrant shades of blue or purple, though sometimes pink or white. Its unique leaves spread out like fingers on a hand, making it stand out from other wildflowers.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusLupinus
Category
PlantsRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
24
Interesting facts
Its seeds can stay dormant in the ground for decades, waiting for just the right time to sprout!
Many tiny flowers bloom together on tall spikes, making a vibrant 'flower tower' for hungry bees!
The name 'Lupine' comes from 'lupus,' meaning wolf, as people once thought it 'wolfed' nutrients from soil!
This plant is vital for the rare Karner Blue butterfly, which only lays its tiny eggs on Lupine leaves!
Special abilities
Ability
Soil Power-Up
Wild Lupine can take nitrogen from the air and put it into the soil, acting like a natural fertilizer for other plants!
Ability
Deep Drinker
Wild Lupine has a super-long taproot that helps it reach water deep underground, even in dry, sandy soils.
Ability
Seed Popper
Wild Lupine seed pods can pop open with force when dry, scattering seeds far away to grow new plants.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-60 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring_summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
collects nectar and pollen from flowers
symbiotic with
Lupine Rhizobium
Bradyrhizobium lupini
fixes nitrogen in root nodules for the plant
eaten by
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
browses on leaves and young stems
Traits
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.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Also known as
Blue Lupine
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Wild Lupine?
The easiest way to identify Wild Lupine is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is Wild Lupine?
30-60 cm
How wide does Wild Lupine spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Wild Lupine?
1-2 cm
When does Wild Lupine bloom?
Spring_summer
Is Wild Lupine edible?
No
Is Wild Lupine toxic?
Moderate
What is Wild Lupine's lifecycle?
Perennial
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
May 30, 2026
Long Island Game Farmi
Photo attribution
(c) Frog The Kermit, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 25, 2026
Mohegan State Foresti
Photo attribution
(c) Bryan Connolly, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 18, 2026
International Crane Foundationi
Photo attribution
(c) Dan Vickers, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Where to spot
Park30 sightings12 species
New York, US
Albany Pine Bush
You might spot Sundial Lupine, Spotted Horsemint, and New Jersey Tea.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
Illinois, US
Anderson Japanese Gardens
You might spot Common Eastern Bumble Bee and Brown-Belted Bumble Bee.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
Rhode Island, US
Barrington Civic Center Historic District
You might spot Common Eastern Bumble Bee and Osprey.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
Wisconsin, US
Canoe Landing Prairie State Natural Area
You might spot Sundial Lupine, Aurora Damsel, and Lancet Clubtail.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
New York, US
Center Square/Hudson–Park Historic District
You might spot Common Eastern Bumble Bee and Ground-Ivy.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
New Hampshire, US
Concord Civic District
You might spot Monarch, Edwards' Hairstreak, and Frosted Elfin.
View guide →
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