Sundial Lupine

(Lupinus perennis)

Sundial Lupine (Lupinus perennis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lupinus perennis, commonly known as Sundial Lupine, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, prairies, and sand dunes in the Eastern and Great Lakes regions of the United States and Ontario. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) and a width of up to 1 foot (30 cm). The plant features palmately compound leaves with 7–11 leaflets radiating from a central point, giving it a distinctive appearance. The Sundial Lupine is well-known for its striking inflorescences, which are long and sparsely flowered, with flowers that can be white, blue, purple, or pink, though they are most commonly blue or bluish-purple. The flowering season extends from late spring to early summer, and the blooms are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The Sundial Lupine is valued for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which enriches the soil, and its attractive flowers that provide a splash of color in the garden. It is used in wildflower gardens, meadow plantings, and as a border plant. This lupine prefers well-drained, sandy soils and can tolerate drought once established. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires low to medium amounts of water. While generally low maintenance, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases and aphid infestations. Gardeners should be aware that Lupinus perennis can be toxic to livestock if ingested in large quantities.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

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

Natural Habitat

native to open woodlands, prairies, and sand dunes in the Eastern and Great Lakes regions of the United States and Ontario

Other Names

Common Names: Wild Lupine, Blue Lupine, Wild Perennial Lupine, Indian Beet, Old Maid’s Bonnets, Ausdauernde Lupine, Lupin Pérenne, Lupin Vivace, Jærlupin, Gruslupin, Tremoço-Perene

Scientific Names: , Lupinus perennis, Lupinus perennis var. perennis, Lupinus perennis f. perennis,

GBIF Accepted Name: Lupinus perennis L.