European Yellow Lupine

(Lupinus luteus)

European Yellow Lupine (Lupinus luteus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lupinus luteus, commonly known as European Yellow Lupine, is an annual herb that is native to various habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and coastal areas in southwestern Europe. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of 0.5-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). The plant features palmate leaves and produces showy spikes of yellow pea-like flowers during the summer and fall, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees.

European Yellow Lupine is valued for its nitrogen-fixing abilities, which improve soil fertility, making it beneficial for crop rotation and land reclamation projects. It is also appreciated for its vibrant yellow flowers that add color to garden borders and wildflower meadows. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and thrives in well-drained soils, though it can tolerate poor soils. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While it is used as fodder for livestock and poultry, it can also be grown as a green manure crop or as an ornamental plant in gardens. Care should be taken as some lupine species can be invasive outside their native range, and the seeds of certain lupines can be toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

native to various habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and coastal areas in southwestern Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Yellow Lupin, Yellow Lupine, Annual Yellow Lupin, Gelbe Lupine, Hasenklee, Altramuz Amarillo, Keltalupiini, Lupin Jaune, Lupinetto Giallo, Lupino Giallo

Scientific Names: , Lupinus luteus, Lupinus luteus f. bernatzkayae, Lupinus luteus f. compactus, Lupinus luteus f. golovczenkoi, Lupinus luteus f. lukasheviczii, Lupinus luteus f. ucrainicus, Lupinus luteus f. volovnenkoae, Lupinus luteus subsp. orientalis, Lupinus luteus var. albicans

GBIF Accepted Name: Lupinus luteus L.