Lupine
Lupinus perennis
Also known as Wild Lupine, Sundial Lupine, Perennial Lupine
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lupine grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Lupine (Lupinus perennis) is an upright perennial wildflower with distinctive blue, purple, pink, or white flower spikes that bloom in late spring to early summer. As a nitrogen fixer, it enriches soil and attracts pollinators while tolerating poor, sandy soils.
Why grow it
Lupinus perennis outperforms many ornamental perennials in nitrogen fixation capacity, making it particularly valuable in polycultures where soil building matters. Compared to annual lupines, the perennial form provides reliable spring color across multiple seasons without reseeding, while its tolerance for infertile and sandy soils reduces establishment costs. It attracts native bees and other pollinators more consistently than many ornamental alternatives.
Watch out for
Lupine seed germination often benefits from scarification or cold stratification, so direct seeding may yield spotty results without preparation. In areas with consistent summer moisture, the plant can be short-lived or susceptible to root rot, making well-draining soil essential for longevity.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Lupine (Lupinus perennis) is an upright perennial wildflower with distinctive blue, purple, pink, or white flower spikes that bloom in late spring to early summer. As a nitrogen fixer, it enriches soil and attracts pollinators while tolerating poor, sandy soils.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lupine grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Lupinus perennis outperforms many ornamental perennials in nitrogen fixation capacity, making it particularly valuable in polycultures where soil building matters. Compared to annual lupines, the perennial form provides reliable spring color across multiple seasons without reseeding, while its tolerance for infertile and sandy soils reduces establishment costs. It attracts native bees and other pollinators more consistently than many ornamental alternatives.
Watch out for
Lupine seed germination often benefits from scarification or cold stratification, so direct seeding may yield spotty results without preparation. In areas with consistent summer moisture, the plant can be short-lived or susceptible to root rot, making well-draining soil essential for longevity.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.