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Lupinus

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
loo-PINE-us
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Over 300 species of Lupines exist; most are native to the Western USA, and require a cool climate. Native lupines such as L. perennis and L. diffusus grow in the coastal plain but may be difficult to find horticulturally. Hybrid Lupines such as the Russell Hybrids are best for cool mountain gardens; treat as annuals in zones 7-8.  Plant seeds in the fall.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
L. diffusus, L. villosus, Russell Hybrids
Tags:
#poisonous#full sun tolerant#biennial#NC native#well-drained soil#acidic soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#perennial#annual
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
L. diffusus, L. villosus, Russell Hybrids
Tags:
#poisonous#full sun tolerant#biennial#NC native#well-drained soil#acidic soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#perennial#annual
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Lupinus
    Family:
    Fabaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Biennial
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    America, Mediterranean to Tanzania
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Poisonous
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Elongated, flattened pod
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Gold/Yellow
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    Terminal, elongated clusters, pea-like, blue to purple, pinkish, or white. Blooms in late spring to early summer.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Alternate, simple or palmately divided
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    English Garden
    Garden for the Blind
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Attracts:
    Hummingbirds
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. Respiratory depression and slow heartbeat, sleepiness, and convulsions.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Alkaloids such as lupinine, anagyrine, sparteine, and hydroxylupanine
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Seeds