Lupine, Perennial

Lupinus perennis

Native perennial legume with purplish-blue flowers, blooming March to July. Prefers well-drained sandy or gravelly soils along dry, open woods, fields and mixed grass prairies; tolerant of slightly acidic soils. Large deep taproot and rhizomatous. Thrives after disturbance such as wildfire. Used frequently in wildflower landscaping beyond its native range. Pollinated by numerous bees and flies. Visited by many species of butterfly, including being the sole larval host plant of the endangered Karner blue butterfly.