Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis subsp. perennis)

Wild Lupine, an Ontario native perennial scientifically known as Lupinus perennis subsp. perennis, is distinguished by its vibrant blue, pea-like flowers and palmate leaves. It has nitrogen-fixing abilities which enrich the soil, benefiting neighbouring plants. Far too often we see and associate the term Lupin with the cultivars and non-native plants that contribute to Wild Lupine's endangerment, but it's so easy to see why we should love the original a little more. *Lupinus perennis* has seen an unfortunate decline of 90% since 1900 and as a result the animals who rely on it, like the rare Karner Blue butterfly may soon became lost to us.

## Relationship with Karner Blue Butterfly

Unfortunately for the Karner Blue Butterfly (*Plebejus samuelis)* in Canada, it's a case of too little too late as this stunning butterfly hasn't been seen in Canada since 1991. It was declared Extirpated in 2019 and since it only occured in Ontario that means it's no longer present in Canada. The Karner Blue young require Wild Lupine to eat, much like the relationship between the Monarch and Milkweed. Let's hope we can reintroduce this stunning addition to Canada at some point in the future or at least focus on no other plant or animal following it's fate.

## CAUTION: Non-Native Look-Alike

Sundial Lupine (Wild Lupine) is native to the East of Canada, however it is also common to see the non-native Lupine that does not occur in the East. It is native to Canada, but in the West of the country. Given how big Canada is, that can be a problem as it isn't meant to be here and competes with our native Lupin.

## Benefits

### Uses

Wildlife Food Source, Country Garden, Butterfly Garden, Border or Small Group planting

### Host to

Karner Blue Butterfly (extirpated ON), Frosted Elfin Butterfly (Not Present ON)

### Other Important Animal Links

Karner Blue Butterfly (See page for details)

*Lupinus polyphyllus* - Blue Lupine is the native plant to the West of Canada and it can be hard to tell the two apart. The National Park Service has more info.

## Sowing and Reproduction

There is no gender requirement to grow Wild Lupine*.* The plant is bisexual and produces male and female flowers on the same plant. It may need cross pollination for healthier plants

**Method**

If sowing in spring, scarify seed coat and soak for 24-48 hours prior to sowing.  Do not do this if winter sowing. Some sources suggest planting 1/2 deep.

**Cold Stratification**

Wild Lupine (*Lupinus perennis*) doesn't require any cold stratification and can be sown directly in spring with the above method.  However, it's hard seed coat will protect it through winter, so winter sowing is still an option.

## Harvesting

Once the pea-like pods have turned light-dark brown, but have not yet split, pick them quickly. The pods will soon open and expel the seeds. There isn't a huge amount of time between ripening and ejecting so it's important to check often.

## Storage

Leave to dry for a few days inside a paper bag and discard any that do not naturally open (these are unlikely to be ripe). Store seeds minus chaff in a paper envelope until sowing.

## Toxicity

**Strength:** Low severity. (For humans)

**Toxic to:**

* **Humans:** Toxic on ingestion, but requires large amounts to cause severe symptoms.
* **Other:** Poisoning and death of cats, dogs and livestock have been recorded with Wild Lupine.

1. ↑ Creative Commons 2.0 - No Changes made - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

Author Tina Shaw/USFWS
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Wikipedia
3. ↑ Public Domain Image
4. ↑ COSEWIC
5. ↑ National Park Service
6. ↑ USDA
7. ↑ Creative Commons 2.0 - No Changes made - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

Author Tina Shaw/USFWS
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Wild Plants from Seed
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Everwilde Farms
10. ↑ Wild Plants From Seed