Wild LupineLupinus perennis
Wild Lupine is a perennial legume with prolific blue and purple flowers. It can adapt to most soil types and is a good choice for restorations in drier sandy soils. Wild Lupine is the only host plant for the federally endangered Karner Blue butterfly caterpillar.
USDA symbol: LUPE3
General Information
| Plant Type | Forb |
|---|---|
| Height | 2 feet |
| Light Exposure | Sun |
| Soil Moisture | Dry |
| Bloom Color | Blue |
Tolerances
| Flooding / Inundation Tolerance | Low |
|---|---|
| General Resilience | 4 |
| Salt Tolerance | Medium |
| Stress Tolerance | Drought Tolerant |
Pollinator Value: Very High
| Bloom Months | May to June |
|---|---|
| Larval Host of | Butterflies, Moths |
| Specific Pollinators Hosted | Caenurgina crassiuscula, Grapholita tristrigana, Numerous butterfly species (Erynnis persius, Plebejus melissa samuelis) |
| Pollinator Benefit | Insect Pollinated, Provides Nectar, Supports Specialists |
Project Planning
| Project Type | Rain Garden, Restoration |
|---|---|
| Coefficient of Conservatism | 7 |
| Herbivore Sensitivity | Low |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Rate of Spread | Medium |
| Soil Stabilization | Deep |
| Vegetative Reproduction | Clonal |
Range
| County | Aitkin, Anoka, Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Fillmore, Goodhue, Hennepin, Houston, Isanti, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona |
|---|---|
| Ecoregion | Driftless Area, North Central Hardwood Forests, Northern Lakes and Forests, Western Cornbelt Plains |
| Approximate Eco Province | Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Laurentian Mixed Forest, Prairie Parkland |