Lupine
Lupine is a common name for flowering plants in the genus Lupinus, a group in the legume family Fabaceae.
Lupine is a common name for flowering plants in the genus Lupinus, a group in the legume family Fabaceae. The genus includes roughly 200 to 500 species, depending on the source and classification used, and is known for tall flower spikes and showy blooms. Lupines are used as ornamentals, some are grown as cover or forage crops, and several species are toxic if eaten in quantity.
Taxonomy and naming
Lupine is the common name for the genus Lupinus in the family Fabaceae. The name is associated with the Latin lupus, meaning "wolf".
Description
Lupines are herbaceous, and some species are partly woody. They typically produce upright flower spikes with pea-like blossoms in colors such as blue, purple, white, yellow, and pink.
Distribution and habitat
The genus has major centres of diversity in western North America, South America, the Mediterranean region, and parts of North Africa. Individual species grow in habitats ranging from sandy coastal sites to mountain and prairie environments.
Uses and cultivation
Many lupines are grown for ornamental value, while some species are used in agriculture as cover crops or forage. Several species are also valued as nitrogen-fixing legumes that improve soil fertility.
Toxicity
Some lupine species contain alkaloids that can be harmful if eaten in large amounts. Toxicity is noted for both humans and livestock, especially in seeds and young plants.
Key facts
- Lupine refers to plants in the genus Lupinus, within the pea family Fabaceae.
- The genus is most species-rich in North and South America, with additional diversity in the Mediterranean and North Africa.
- Lupines are known for erect stalks bearing dense, often brightly colored flower spikes.
- Some species are cultivated as garden ornamentals, and others are used as forage or cover crops.
- Many lupines contain toxic alkaloids, and ingestion can be dangerous to humans and livestock.
Lupines grow in parts of Canada, especially wild species in eastern Canada and coastal or temperate regions, and they are also familiar to Canadian gardeners as ornamental plants. Some species are native and ecologically important, while others are introduced in cultivation.
Frequently asked questions
What is a lupine?
Are lupines and lupins the same plant?
How many species of lupine are there?
Are lupines poisonous?
What are lupines used for?
Do lupines improve soil?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/lupineSupports: Genus Lupinus, approximate species count, family, distribution, and uses.
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lupinus/Supports: Species count range, flowering characteristics, climate preferences, and toxicity.
- Utah State University Extension — https://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/forbs-herbaceous/lupineSupports: Growth habit, flowering period, nitrogen fixation, and toxicity to livestock.
- Massachusetts government — https://www.mass.gov/info-details/wild-lupineSupports: Native range of wild lupine in eastern North America and ecological importance.
- U.S. Forest Service — https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/lupinus_perennis.shtmlSupports: Etymology, soil fertility role, and toxicity.