About
Large-leaved-lupine is a perennial wildflower native to western North America. Found in Open fields, forest edge, stream banks, meadows, and wetlands in areas of moist, well drained to sandy soil.
The plant can grow up to 5 feet or lower and spreading by rhizomes. Leaves are uniquely whorled (palmately compound). Long spikes of showy blue or purple flowers are lupine's most prominent feature. Bloom times happens from May to July becoming large, soft hairy seed pods from July to September.
Large-leaved-lupine is widely cultivated, with many different coloured varieties available. It's a nitrogen fixing legume (can fertilize its self); is able to thrive in poor, sandy soils, but intolerant of rich clay or heavy soils. Low maintenance in the landscape, tough and resilient when established
Native wild lupine (not cultuvars) are ecologically important. Larvae of the endangered Karner Blue butterfly rely on the plant for food. Wild lupine also attracts pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees, and bumble bees. The plant Has a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in its roots, allowing nitrogen fixing, and is sometimes applied as a 'green manure' cover crop to enrich the soil prior other plantings. Can be used in restoration projects to recover logged areas and in erosion control (for its deep roots); sometimes also grown as fodder for livestock.
Growing From Seed
Growing from seed is one of the most economical and satisfying ways to build a native plant garden. The table shows brief planting instructions, including how long and what kind of stratification this plant needs. For further information on stratification and seed preparation please refer to our article: Preparing To Grow Wild Plant Seeds
| Seeds/Packet | Coming soon... |
|---|---|
| Seeds/Gram | Coming soon... |
| Cost/Gram | Price coming soon... For bulk orders (min $20) |
| Dormancy Treatment | Coming soon... |
| Seeding Instructions | Coming soon... |
Growing From Plants
Seedlings are a more economical option than established plants and an easier start than growing from seed. Our plants are shipped in soil blocks or plug trays. Plants do surprizingly well in the mail but need special care upon arrival. Please see Planting Mail Order Seedlings for information on how to plant and care for seedlings.
Shipping
We currently ship within the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, and it usually takes 2-5 business days in the mail once shipped. Seeds ship year-round. Plants are generally available from May to September and can be reserved during off season; Shipping costs are calculated during checkout. Seed orders over $100 ship free! See Shipping for more details.