What does lupine mean?

Did you know? Lupine comes from lupus, Latin for "wolf", and its related adjective lupinus, "wolfish". Lupine groups have a highly organized social structure, with leaders and followers clearly distinguished; dogs, since they're descended from wolves, often show these lupine patterns when living in groups.

Are lupines native to North America?

There are over 200 wild species of lupine, and most are North American natives. These usually have blue, white, or yellow flowers. Garden lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus), aka big-leaved lupine: blue, pink, and purple flowers; native to much of western North America; prefers moist environments.

Are Lupines a pea?

However, lupines are in the pea family and as nitrogen-fixers can actually improve soil. The pea-like flowers are arranged on upright spikes varied in color from deep blue to purple shades. Growing 1 to 4 feet tall, the leaves of lupine are also beautiful with grey-green palmate foliage with silvery hairs.

What does a lupine plant look like?

Growing 1 to 4 feet tall, the leaves of lupine are also beautiful with grey-green palmate foliage with silvery hairs. The seed pod looks like a hairy pea pod and contains up to 12 seeds. In fact, lupines are a legume, which means that they fix nitrogen in the soil and they enrich your soil health.