Mountain Lupine (Lupinus argenteus), is a native perennial wildflower, most commonly found in the western US, particularly mountainous regions, like the Rocky Mountains. It thrives in USDA zones 4-8 and is well-adapted to high elevations ranging from montane to subalpine environments.
The seeds tend to be difficult to find and an effort is being made for seed collection in order to plant them in areas that can greatly benefit from their soil improving qualities as well as their ability to attract native pollinators. Plant native if you can, even if it is a small plot, it can make a difference. With the need for man-made structures to house our rising population, one solution is to intermingle our housing and commercial areas with native plants, instead of lawns and concrete.
The blooms are are beautiful spires that are typically purple to blue, sometimes with hints of white or lavender. They grow in tall clusters that rise above the foliage, making the flowers really stand out.
It is often used in wildflower gardens, meadow restoration projects, and for soil stabilization due to its hardiness and nitrogen-fixing abilities (see below for more on this.)
Mountain lupine is found in dry meadows, open forests, rocky slopes, and other areas that have well draining soil at elevations between 4,000 and 10,000 feet. Their long tap roots allow for them to be especially drought tolerant. It is especially adapted to colder climates and can survive in areas with short growing seasons.
Lupine is a legume (non-edible,) and has a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in the soil, like other legumes. This is also referred to as nitrogen-fixing. It is an amazing process that allows the plant to use the natural bacteria in the soil to convert nitrogen from the air into the soil, thereby leaving it richer than before it was planted. This makes it an important species for improving soil health. For this reason, it does well in poor and rocky soils that are NOT rich in nutrients. However, adding organic compost that typically contains beneficial bacteria, is helpful to boost nitrification.
The flowers attract native pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
The seeds should be direct sown in fall/winter, when temperatures fall below 40 degrees and are expected to stay in that range. Lupine seeds have tough seed coats. The natural freezing and thawing of the surrounding soil and harsh conditions, causes the seed coats to break down, but it does so slowly, so that the seeds do not germinate too soon and perish in freezing temps. They also require at least 30 days of cold temperatures.
Alternatively, you can simulate these conditions, but rubbing the seeds between 2 pieces of sandpaper and then placing them in a bowl of hot tap water that is slowly allowed to cool overnight. The seeds should swell. If they do not, repeat the scratching process on those that did not swell.
The next step is to fold the seeds into a moist paper towel and seal them in a ziploc bag and place them in your refrigerator for 30 days and then sow outdoors when temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees. They will not germinate if temperatures are excessive.
The seeds normally sprout in 2-3 weeks or when conditions are just right, if sown outdoors in fall for a spring emergence.
Prefers full sun but will tolerate part sun
Grows up to 3 feet tall
The plants will return each spring and also self-seed
This if for 25 seeds
I combine shipping on all seed orders, you pay one flat fee for as many seeds as you would like for no additional shipping. Orders over $35 for any combination of items in my shop ship for free!
