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Wild Lupine
Lupinus 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 TypeForb
Height2 feet
Light ExposureSun
Soil MoistureDry
Bloom ColorBlue
Wild Lupine (Wild Lupine<div><em class="small">Lupinus perennis</em></div>)
Photo credit: Minnesota Native Landscapes (Click to enlarge)

Tolerances

Flooding / Inundation ToleranceLow
General Resilience4
Salt ToleranceMedium
Stress ToleranceDrought Tolerant

Pollinator Value: Very High

Bloom MonthsMay to June
Larval Host ofButterflies, Moths
Specific Pollinators HostedCaenurgina crassiuscula, Grapholita tristrigana, Numerous butterfly species (Erynnis persius, Plebejus melissa samuelis)
Pollinator BenefitInsect Pollinated, Provides Nectar, Supports Specialists

Project Planning

Project TypeRain Garden, Restoration
Coefficient of Conservatism7
Herbivore SensitivityLow
LifespanPerennial
Rate of SpreadMedium
Soil StabilizationDeep
Vegetative ReproductionClonal

Range

CountyAitkin, Anoka, Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Fillmore, Goodhue, Hennepin, Houston, Isanti, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona
EcoregionDriftless Area, North Central Hardwood Forests, Northern Lakes and Forests, Western Cornbelt Plains
Approximate Eco ProvinceEastern Broadleaf Forest, Laurentian Mixed Forest, Prairie Parkland