James H. Schutte
Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
Lupinus perennis
Plant Common Name
Perennial Lupine
General Description
Native to pine barrens and dry prairies of eastern North America, this short-lived perennial bears showy spires of purple-blue flowers in spring, and provides essential forage for caterpillars of the endangered Karner Blue butterfly. Both sundial lupine and the Karner Blue are in severe decline in the wild due to loss of habitat.
The compound leaves of sundial lupine have 7 to 11 gray-green leaflets arranged in a parasol-like whorl. They are the sole food source for Karner Blue caterpillars. Tall, steeple-shaped clusters of violet-blue pea-flowers rise above the leaves in mid- or late spring. Pink- or white-flowered forms occasionally occur. Flattened, elongated seed pods follow the flowers, opening to release seeds that often result in self-sown plants. Plants die back after setting seed.
Easily raised from seed (but almost impossible to transplant), sundial lupine does best in full sun and porous soil. It makes an ideal subject for informal borders, naturalistic plantings, and butterfly gardens, particularly within its native range. It hybridizes readily with other North American lupines, resulting in plants that are unpalatable to Karner Blue larvae. Most "wild" lupines in the Northeast United States are hybrids with Lupinus polyphyllus, an introduction from western North America.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
10"-30" / 25.4cm - 76.2cm
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Width
10"-12" / 25.4cm - 30.5cm
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Blue Violet
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Fruit Color
Green, Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Mixed Border, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
