Lupinus perennis Wild Blue Lupine

General

A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It is recognized for its distinctive spikes of blue to purple pea-like flowers that bloom in spring and early summer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. It is a host plant for a wide variety of moth and butterflies. Lupine prefers dry and sandy sites. It is threatened or endangered in much of New England.

Plant Description

It is known for its upright growth habit and attractive spikes of blue, purple, or occasionally white pea-like flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. Wild lupine thrives in a variety of habitats including prairies, open woodlands, and sandy or rocky soils, providing essential nectar for native pollinators. Palmately compound leaves with ovate leaflets with hairy edges. Flowers give way to pea-like, fuzzy seed pods, which may eject their seeds several feet away.

Height (ft)
1-3'

Soil Moisture
Dry or well drained

Soil types
Acidic sandy or sandy loam

Shade tolerance
Intolerant, Full Sun

Bloom color
Purple or blue

Bloom period
Spring

Drought tolerance
Medium

Salinity tolerance
None

 

Range

Throughout the northeastern United States, around the coasts of the Great Lakes, and along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. Considered extirpated in Maine.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information

According to USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center, this species was used by the Menomini people to feed their horses to increase spirit and fire. They would also topically apply this plant to their hands and arms to help in controlling horses. The Cherokee would make a cold infusion from this species and use it as a wash to aid in hemorrhaging and vomiting.