Lupinus perennis
This is the true Northeast native lupine, not to be confused with wild lupine (L. polyphyllus). Uniquely beautiful large spikes of pea-like flowers display gradients of blue and purple and palm-shaped leaves look particularly beautiful after a rainfall, when a raindrop is nestled in the center of each leaf. Lupine is in the pea family and fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting not only the soil but also other surrounding plants. An early bloomer, it blooms from early May to the end of June and it goes dormant after midsummer. It provides pollen for various insects, and its seed pods are also a food source for birds and small mammals. Host the larvae of the endangered Karner Blue, Gray Hairstreak, and the Wild Indigo Duskywing. .
Zone: 3-8 (Map)
Habitat: Â Tolerant of a wide range of soil except rich soils. Full sun to part shade.
Growth: 2 ft tall, 1 ft wide at maturity.
The true native lupine, only host to the endangered Karner Blue butterfly. Prefers poor soil conditions and will fix nitrogen.
The true native lupine, only host to the endangered Karner Blue butterfly. Prefers poor soil conditions and will fix nitrogen.
Lupinus perennis
This is the true Northeast native lupine, not to be confused with wild lupine (L. polyphyllus). Uniquely beautiful large spikes of pea-like flowers display gradients of blue and purple and palm-shaped leaves look particularly beautiful after a rainfall, when a raindrop is nestled in the center of each leaf. Lupine is in the pea family and fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting not only the soil but also other surrounding plants. An early bloomer, it blooms from early May to the end of June and it goes dormant after midsummer. It provides pollen for various insects, and its seed pods are also a food source for birds and small mammals. Host the larvae of the endangered Karner Blue, Gray Hairstreak, and the Wild Indigo Duskywing. .
Zone: 3-8 (Map)
Habitat: Â Tolerant of a wide range of soil except rich soils. Full sun to part shade.
Growth: 2 ft tall, 1 ft wide at maturity.
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