Lupine, Silvery

Lupinus argenteus

Wonderful little native nitrogen fixer with beautiful pea-like flowers!

If you picture a quintessential Idaho wildflower meadow, chances are lupines are in your dreams. These beautiful pea family plants grow to around 18" tall, with silvery leaves and big spikes of deep purple pea-shaped flowers that bloom in early summer. A gorgeous addition to a meadow or as a stand-alone plant, lupines can spread to form little clumps over time. They are a valuable food source for bumblebees and butterflies. They also help fix nitrogen, making it available to nearby plants. At low elevations, they will do best with a bit of shade, but they can handle full sun at higher altitudes.  All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and animals. Sow seeds in fall for best germination rate in spring.

Disclaimer: Lupines contain alkaloids that are known to be toxic to humans and animals. Though toxicity has been predominantly noted in livestock, the danger of poisoning in dogs is a possibility. Source

Seeds were sustainably wildcrafted in the Great Basin by Kyle and friends at Native-Seed Company.

30 seeds.

Directions: This western native’s beauty belies its tough character. Silvery lupine seeds evolved with a tough seed coat to keep the plant embryo protected until ideal germination conditions occur. We humans can help jump-start the process by scarifying the seed. For best results, soak seed 24 hours in cold water and sow immediately. Plant in late fall to early spring.