Lupinus latifolius (Broadleaf Lupine)

Native to California and the Pacific Northwest, Lupinus latifolius (Broadleaf Lupine) is a bushy, densely branched perennial forming an extensive clump of large, palmately compound leaves with 5-10 leaflets up to 4 in. long (10 cm). It boasts showy racemes in late spring to fall, 4-12 in. long (10-30 cm), of purple to blue to white pea-shaped flowers. They are borne on stout, erect stems, well above the attractive foliage, and attract bees, butterflies, and many pollinators. The blossoms are followed by densely hairy pods containing 6 to 10 dark brown seeds. Broadleaf Lupine spreads by seed and root sprouts to form spectacular colonies. Broadleaf Lupine is a nitrogen-fixing legume. It is valuable for rehabilitating disturbed sites because it grows well on droughty and low-fertility sites, colonizes disturbed areas, has a deep root system for stabilizing soil, and forms associations with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. It is commonly used for erosion control.

• Grows up to 1-4 ft. tall (30-120 cm).
• Thrives in full sun to part shade in moist, shallow, coarse-textured, rocky, and fast-draining soils. Broadleaf Lupine can persist in low-fertility soils because of its ability to fix nitrogen.
• An excellent choice for informal gardens, prairies, and meadows.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by seed. Fresh seeds need no treatment.
• All parts, particularly the seeds, may cause severe discomfort if ingested. Toxic only if eaten in large quantities. Wear gloves and wash your hands after handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
• Native to western North America from British Columbia to Baja California to New Mexico.
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