lupins

Lupins, or lupines, are flowering plants in the genus Lupinus of the legume family Fabaceae. The genus includes about 200 species of annuals, biennials, and perennials ranging from low, herbaceous plants to shrub-like forms. Leaves are palmately divided into several slender leaflets. The flowers are arranged in tall, upright racemes and are typically pea-shaped, with colors including blue, purple, pink, white, and yellow. After pollination, seed pods develop containing several seeds.

Lupines are native to the western Americas, the Mediterranean basin, and parts of Africa and South America. Most species favor cool, well-drained soils and full sun, from meadows and open woodlands to alpine slopes. They are valued as ornamentals and as pioneer species in soil restoration due to their nitrogen-fixing ability.

Lupines form symbiotic nodules with Rhizobium bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen, enhancing soil fertility. They are used in ornamental gardens, in wildflower mixes, and in some cases as forage or cover crops. Some seeds are edible after proper processing, notably cultivated lupins such as blue lupin and white lupin, which are high in protein but contain alkaloids that must be removed through debittering; low-alkaloid cultivars have been developed for direct human or animal consumption.

Cultivation and safety: Light and drainage requirements vary by species, but in general lupins prefer sunny, well-drained soils and moderate moisture. Many species are long-lived perennials, while others are annuals. Certain species can be invasive in some regions, and some populations are threatened in their native ranges. All lupines should be handled with care around livestock and wildlife due to potential toxicity of raw seeds.