Lupine

Wild Lupines have tall, showy spikes of pea-like flowers (20 in). The leaves, formed of 6-11 leaflets radiating from a central point, are usually found at the base of the plants and are covered with soft, silver hairs. The hairy seed pods (2 in long) turn black when mature.

Different species of Lupines are found in many parts of North America, particularly the northeast and the northwest. Arctic Lupin flowers are blue, purple, or pink. Perennial Lupine flowers are blue. Bluebonnets are a popular Texas wildflower.

Lupines grow well in moist or sandy soils in open areas and flower from May to June. Look for them along roadways in British Columbia and Texas or in alpine meadows.

Did you know? Lupines derive their name from the Latin word for wolf because it was believed that the plants wolfed or robbed the soil of nutrients. In fact, Lupines improve the soil by adding nitrogen and organic matter.

See Also: Golden Bean, Wild Licorice

Easy - numerous and usually easy to spot in the habitats listed at the appropriate time of year.

Grasslands are large open areas covered with grasses. They have very few trees or shrubs. This habitat includes prairies and tundra.

Mountains are very high areas of land with steep sides leading to a peak. They are often connected to other mountains as part of a mountain range.