About This Plant
This is the host plant for the Karner Blue butterfly, a federally-endangered species. Birds and small mammals also appreciate this plant for its seed, which they will eat. Seeds are ejected several feet when the pods are ripe. Elongated clusters of pea-like purple/blue flowers will appear on tall spikes and bloom profusely from mid-spring to mid-summer. Lupine help fix nitrogen in the soil and have a long tap root, making it hard to transplant. The plants will die back in the heat of summer, so consider planting a strong summer or fall favorite nearby.
Plant Details
Environment
Attributes
- Plant Types
- Maximum Plant Width
- Peak Bloom Seasons
- Leaf Retentions
- Growth Rates
- Mature Plant Heights
- Bloom Colors
- Bloom Times
- Additional Features
Benefits
- Wildlife Benefits
Plant Facts
The scientific name, Lupinus, is derived from the Latin word “lupus,” meaning “wolf,” because some thought lupines robbed soil of its nutrients the way some wolves robbed shepherds of their sheep; however, wild lupine can help restore nutrient poor soils because of its nitrogen-fixing abilities. For this same reason, it can grow in poorer soil conditions. | One of its common names, “Sundial Lupine,” comes from the way its leaves will follow the sun’s path throughout the day and then close at night.
Alternate Names
Sundial Lupine
