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// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Wild Lupine

Lupinus perennis

Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis) is a perennial in the Fabaceae family. Native to 30 U.S. states (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center distribution data). Hardy in zones 3a–8a. Mature size 6"–2'. Blooms May–Jun. A nitrogen-fixing species.

// QUICK FACTS
Family
Fabaceae
Group
perennial
Native range
Native to 30 U.S. states, including AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA…
USDA hardiness
Zones 3a–8a
Mature size
6"–2'
Sun
Part shade
Water
—
Bloom
May–Jun
Wildlife value
High — pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role
nitrogen-fixing native · Karner blue butterfly host · prairie lupine
Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis)
Lupinus perennis — Wild Lupine. Photo by cassi saari via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis) is a perennial in the Fabaceae family. Native to 30 U.S. states (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center distribution data). Hardy in zones 3a–8a. Mature size 6"–2'. Blooms May–Jun. A nitrogen-fixing species. As a nitrogen fixer it builds soil fertility for the plants around it.

Why it's on this list: nitrogen-fixing native · Karner blue butterfly host · prairie lupine. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, wild lupine pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis).

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