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Lupinus latifolius (Broadleaf Lupine)

Broadleaf Lupine, Broad-Leaved Lupine, Bigleaf Lupine, Riverbank Lupine, Lupinus rivularis

Lupinus latifolius, Broadleaf Lupine, Broad-Leaved Lupine, Bigleaf Lupine, Riverbank Lupine, Lupinus rivularis, Blue Flowers, Blue Perennial
Lupinus latifolius, Broadleaf Lupine, Broad-Leaved Lupine, Bigleaf Lupine, Riverbank Lupine, Lupinus rivularis, Blue Flowers, Blue Perennial
Lupinus latifolius, Broadleaf Lupine, Broad-Leaved Lupine, Bigleaf Lupine, Riverbank Lupine, Lupinus rivularis, Blue Flowers, Blue Perennial

Native to California and the Pacific Northwest, Lupinus latifolius (Broadleaf Lupine) is a bushy, densely branched perennial forming an extensive clump of large, palmately compound leaves with 5-10 leaflets up to 4 in. long (10 cm). It boasts showy racemes in late spring to fall, 4-12 in. long (10-30 cm), of purple to blue to white pea-shaped flowers. They are borne on stout, erect stems, well above the attractive foliage, and attract bees, butterflies, and many pollinators. The blossoms are followed by densely hairy pods containing 6 to 10 dark brown seeds. Broadleaf Lupine spreads by seed and root sprouts to form spectacular colonies. Broadleaf Lupine is a nitrogen-fixing legume. It is valuable for rehabilitating disturbed sites because it grows well on droughty and low-fertility sites, colonizes disturbed areas, has a deep root system for stabilizing soil, and forms associations with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. It is commonly used for erosion control.

  • Grows up to 1-4 ft. tall (30-120 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun to part shade in moist, shallow, coarse-textured, rocky, and fast-draining soils. Broadleaf Lupine can persist in low-fertility soils because of its ability to fix nitrogen.
  • An excellent choice for informal gardens, prairies, and meadows.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Propagate by seed. Fresh seeds need no treatment.
  • All parts, particularly the seeds, may cause severe discomfort if ingested. Toxic only if eaten in large quantities. Wear gloves and wash your hands after handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
  • Native to western North America from British Columbia to Baja California to New Mexico.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Leguminosae
Genus Lupinus
Common names Lupine
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 4'
(30cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Utah
Tolerance Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Lupinus nanus (Sky Lupine)
Lupinus arboreus (Tree Lupine)
Lupinus succulentus (Arroyo Lupine)
Lupinus bicolor (Miniature Lupine)
Lupinus rivularis (Riverbank Lupine)
Lupinus texensis (Texas Bluebonnet)

Recommended Companion Plants

Populus tremuloides (American Aspen)
Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Sequoia)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Leguminosae
Genus Lupinus
Common names Lupine
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 4'
(30cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Utah
Tolerance Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Lupinus (Lupine)
Guides with
Lupinus (Lupine)
Not sure which Lupinus (Lupine) to pick?
Compare Now

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