Lupinus arcticus

Common Names

Arctic Lupine, Subalpine Lupine, Arktisk Lupin

Summary

Arctic lupine is a perennial herb native to subarctic North America and western Canada, including Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, and Oregon. It forms a branched woody base with erect stems to about 10–60 cm tall and basal leaves palmately compound with 6–10 leaflets, bearing blue to purple pea-like flowers in a terminal raceme that blooms in June–July, followed by 2–4 cm pods containing 5–8 seeds.

It grows best in full sun to partial shade on well-drained soils (loam, sandy loam, or gravel). Propagation is by seed, with germination improved by scarification and cold stratification; direct seeding is possible and seeds are long-lived. Lifespan is about 3–5 years. Uses include soil-building as a nitrogen fixer, erosion control and roadside seeding, and ornamental plantings in gardens or parks; hardy across zones 1–9 and it can attract pollinators.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-24 inches

Spread

1-2 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 1-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; range from full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, typically loam, sandy loam or gravelly soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Bloom Color

Blue to purple, occasionally white.

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green, Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Purple

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate to rapid growth rate.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees