Hairy Lupine Lupinus villosus
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- loo-PIE-nus vil-OH-sus
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Lady Lupine is found only in extremely well-drained sandy habitats, most commonly in open sandhills in SE USA. It is difficult to grow commercially due to its deep taproot and its dislike of being moved. The native southern lupines are becoming endangered in some areas.
This lupine has pea-like flowers and blooms profusely the third year of life with spikes of lovely blooms. They rarely live a forth year. In NC they are found only in the southern coastal areas. It is best to admire this plant in its native habitat and help preserve that habitat.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Lupinus
- Species:
- villosus
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- SE North America
- Distribution:
- AL , FL , GA , LA , MS , NC , SC
- Wildlife Value:
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Poisonous
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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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 Texture:
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Very Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is an elongated, flattened pod. Displays from June to August.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Spike
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Lipped
- Flower Petals:
- 2-3 rays/petals
- Flower Description:
- The pea-like blooms are lavender-blue with a reddish-purple spot on the upper petal. The 2 lower petals are fused. They are borne on 4-7 inch spikes in terminal clusters. Blooms from April to May.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- 2-6 in. hairy elliptical leaves that are held upward.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Pollinators
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds
