Big Leaf Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus)
Able to grow up to five feet in height, this perennial plant bears some of the most instantly recognizable flowers of any alpine species. Also known as the Washington lupine, Bigleaf lupine is one of several species of lupine that have a wide distribution across the continent. Although native to the western half of North America from the Rocky Mountains up to Alaska, Big leaf lupine has spread far outside its native range due to its ability to hybridize with other lupines. The species has been intentionally bred by botanists to create distinctive decorative cultivars. Although it naturally prefers cool, moist, alpine environments, Big leaf lupine does surprisingly well in a variety of conditions and provides excellent pollinator habitat for bees as well as being attractive to hummingbirds.
Identification tip: Big leaf lupine flowers tend to bloom in May and trend purple-blueish in color.
Preview Big Leaf Lupine and other native plants on the KCD Native Plant Store Preview
Featured Photo Credit:
Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 2.0
Wikimedia Commons GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
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