Lupinus polyphyllus is a species of lupine native to western North America. It commonly grows along streams and creeks, preferring moist habitats. Lupines are an ideal flower for beginners, requiring less than an hour of care per growing month.
Lupine telltale look is a tall, showy spire of flowers that can come in a multitude of color varieties with impressive grayish-green textured foliage. People once believed that lupine flowers soaked up all of the nutrients from the soil, leading to its common name, derived from the Latin word for wolf. However, Lupinus plants are members of the pea family, Fabaceae, and like peas, the plants are capable of fixing nitrogen in the soil. If the growing conditions are right, lupine flowers are equally at home in the garden or on the side of the road. Lupines bloom over a two-month period, which can range from May to July, depending on the variety and the growing zone.
