Lupinus perennis Wild Lupine

Ohio Native Plant Natural Range

Visit the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website to view the natural range of Lupinus perennis .
Lupines require well drained soil.
Evan Barker - inaturalist.org - public Domanin


Cultivation Information Wild Lupine


Height - 3 to-14 inchesFlower Color - Blue-violetBlooms - May to JuneSun - Part sun to full
Hardy Zone - 3 to 9Soil - Dry, well drained
Family - Fabaceae
Seed Provenance Lupinus perennis
Prairie Moon Nursery, Winona, MN - 2013
The leaves of Wild Lupine are easy to identify Evan Barker - inaturalist.org - public Domain

Wildlife Significance Lupinus perennis


Soil Benefits -These plants are nitrogen fixing plants. That is they give nitrogen back to the soil instead of depleting nitrogen levels.
Nectar Source - Monarchs, skippers
Host Plants - Lupines are caterpillar host plants for the Karner Blue Butterfly, West Coast Lady, Painted Lady, Clouded and Orange Sulphurs, Gray Hairstreak, Eastern Tailed-Blue, Elfins, Mountian Blue, and Erynnis afranius a skipper.
Pollinators - Listed in The Xerces Societies Guide to Attracting Native Pollinators as one of the top 37 wildflowers recommended for attracting native bees. Lupines are a favorite for long-tongued bumble bees, mason bees and honey bees.
For detailed information lupines, visit the Illinois Wildflower site
Propagation Notes Lupinus perennis
Stored - Dry cold until ready to plantSeeds Soaked - 2-25-2012 - Hot water for 2 days - until swelling
Sprouted - 3-1-2012 - Keep seedlings moist - once plants are larger be careful not to over water
Night Temperature - 61 - 63°FDay Temperature - 64 - 65°F -Under florescent lights
Natural Sunlight - 3-6-12 - Exposed a few hours each day to natural sunlight