Lupinus latifolius (Broadleaf Lupine)
Broadleaf Lupine, Broad-Leaved Lupine, Bigleaf Lupine, Riverbank Lupine, Lupinus rivularis
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). In late spring to fall, it boasts showy racemes, 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, which contain 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.
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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 | Lupinus - Lupines |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 1' – 4' (30cm – 120cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona |
Tolerance | Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Mount Rainier National Park, Tom Hilton, Flickr, Denise Lett, Knelson20, Shutterstock
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Lupinus - Lupines |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 1' – 4' (30cm – 120cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona |
Tolerance | Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |