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
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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 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
How is Wild Lupine pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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