Lupinus nootkatensis

Common Names

Nootka Lupine, Nootka Lupin, Blue Lupine, Dwarf Perennial Lupin

Summary

Nootka lupine is a native North American perennial legume that forms a clump up to about 0.6–1.0 m tall, with velvety palmately compound leaves of 5–8 leaflets and densely hairy upright stems. It bears whorls of lightly scented pea-like flowers in early summer, mostly blue and white (occasionally pink, purple, or pure white), followed by hairy green seed pods; it fixes nitrogen via root nodules and may self-seed under favorable conditions. Native to north-western North America to north Asia and naturalized in Britain, it commonly occurs along roadsides and open banks.

Prefers full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating sandy to loamy or clay textures that remain moist; shade limits growth. Hardy to UK zone 4 and USDA zones 4–8. Propagation is by seed, with seeds often self-seed; drought-tolerant once established; suitable for coastal, cottage, gravel, prairie, wildflower meadow, banks/slopes, or cut flower borders. Common uses include ornamental accents and borders or cut flowers; seeds may be toxic if eaten.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-5 feet

Spread

1.5-2 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun. Tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils; ideally slightly acidic (pH ~6.1–6.5).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, Slightly acidic to neutral soils, Tolerates mildly alkaline soils

Bloom Color

Blue and white, sometimes pink, purple or pure white

Bloom Time

Early Summer to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Rapid growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Basal cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Bees: Yes (pollinated by bees)