Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis) | Prairie Restorations

Wild Lupine

Lupinus perennis

Wild Lupine is a perennial legume that grows 1 to 2 feet tall, featuring palmately divided leaves and striking blue to purple pea-like flowers arranged in vertical spikes. This species thrives in dry, sandy soils and is commonly found in oak savannas, open woodlands, and prairies. Wild Lupine is a key host plant for the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly, making it an important species for pollinator conservation. In landscapes, it is ideal for naturalized gardens, native plantings, and restoration projects where sandy, well-drained soils are present.

Characteristics

Product Form	Plant, Seed
Type	Forb
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Soil	Sand/Gravel, Calcareous
Moisture	Dry, Mesic, Wet
Average Max Height (inches)	26
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	18
Bloom month(s)	May, June
Bloom Color or Type	Varies
Dominance	Medium

Range Maps

Sowing Information

Sow seed onto a firm, weed-free seedbed. Hand-broadcast seed making two perpendicular passes for even coverage. If planting a mix, broadcast the grass component first and lightly rake/drag it into the top 1/8–1/4" of soil. Next, broadcast wildflower/forb seed and press it into the soil surface (with a roller/cultipacker or the back of a rake) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After seeding, apply a very light layer of clean, seed-free straw (or other weed-free, site-appropriate mulch) to reduce erosion and retain moisture without smothering seedlings. A good rainfall or thorough watering will help settle seed and mulch and improve germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.