Wild Lupine
Lupinus perennis
This stunning native perennial produces tall spikes of blue-purple pea-like flowers above distinctive palmate leaves. Wild lupine is the sole host plant for the endangered Karner blue butterfly and an important nitrogen-fixer that improves soil health. Its deep taproot makes it extremely drought tolerant once established, perfect for naturalizing in sandy soils.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
3–8
USDA hardiness
Height
12-30 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Wild Lupine in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 native-wildflower →Zone Map
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Wild Lupine · Zones 3–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry, Very Dry. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Root Cutting, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The pea pods are hairy and about 2 inches long. They turn black at maturity and have 2-7 seeds that can be expelled several feet when the pod splits.
Color: Black, Green. Type: Legume. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Eastern and Central USA
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Poor Soil
- +Attracts: Attractive Flowers, Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife Food Source, Wildlife Larval Host
- +Wildlife value: Attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Host plant for Karner Blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa sub. samuelis) and Frosted Elfin butterfly (Callophrys irus). Small mammals and birds will eat the seeds.
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Seeds): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Little Bluestem
Native prairie grass that shares similar soil and moisture requirements, provides structural support
Wild Bergamot
Attracts beneficial pollinators and predatory insects that help protect lupine from pests
Purple Coneflower
Complementary blooming periods extend pollinator season, both thrive in similar prairie conditions
Wild Columbine
Benefits from nitrogen fixed by lupine roots, provides early season nectar for pollinators
Black-Eyed Susan
Deep taproot brings up nutrients for shallow-rooted lupine, attracts diverse beneficial insects
Wild Ginger
Ground cover that helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds around lupine base
Nodding Onion
Natural pest deterrent that helps protect lupine from aphids and other soft-bodied insects
Prairie Dropseed
Fine-textured native grass that creates microclimate protection without competing for resources
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone, a natural herbicide toxic to lupine and most legumes
Fennel
Allelopathic compounds inhibit lupine germination and root development
Sunflower
Releases allelopathic chemicals that suppress lupine growth and nitrogen-fixing ability
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, may suffer from root rot in wet conditions
Common Pests
Aphids, lupine weevil, spider mites
Diseases
Root rot, powdery mildew in humid conditions