Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus
Family: Fabaceae · Also called Lupin, Wolf Bean, Russell Lupin
Green & Fresh · Spring–Summer bloomer
Lupines are the spires of the summer meadow, tall, densely packed racemes of pea-shaped flowers in violet, blue, pink, red, yellow, and bicolors that create vertical exclamation marks in borders and naturalize spectacularly along roadsides and riverbanks. Their palmate leaves catch dewdrops like silver mercury.
imagination, voraciousness, admiration
In the Victorian language of flowers, lupine means “Imagination and creativity”. The name comes from Latin 'lupus' (wolf), Romans wrongly believed lupines devoured soil nutrients (they actually enrich it by fixing nitrogen). In New Zealand, where Russell lupines have naturalized spectacularly, they're both loved (tourists) and hated (ecologists). Miss Rumphius, the famous children's book, features a character who scatters lupine seeds along the Maine coast.
Did You Know?
Lupine seeds can remain viable in soil for over 100 years, they have extremely hard seed coats that only germinate after physical damage (scarification). Lupines fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria in root nodules, improving soil for other plants. Some species are now grown commercially as a high-protein crop alternative to soya.
Meadows, stream banks, and mountain slopes from California to Alaska
Lupine is native to Western North America. It naturally grows in meadows, stream banks, and mountain slopes from california to alaska.
Scent Profile
“A sweet, pea-like fragrance, gentle and green, reminiscent of sweet pea but lighter. Most noticeable in the evening and when large stands bloom together.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameLupinus polyphyllus
- FamilyFabaceae
- Native ToWestern North America
- Bloom SeasonSpring–Summer
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
The name comes from Latin 'lupus' (wolf), Romans wrongly believed lupines devoured soil nutrients (they actually enrich it by fixing nitrogen). In New Zealand, where Russell lupines have naturalized spectacularly, they're both loved (tourists) and hated (ecologists). Miss Rumphius, the famous children's book, features a character who scatters lupine seeds along the Maine coast.