Wild Lupine

Lupinus perennis

Wild Lupine is a rare perennial native to eastern North America. Leaves are green and palmate, which are divided into 7-11 leaflets. It blooms on flowering stalks with purple to blue, pea-like flowers. Flowers attract of variety of native bee species, with pollen being their only reward as nectar is not provided. In the wild, they’re often found in sandy environments. They’re facing significant decline due to habitat loss and hybridizing with non native lupine species. This is a host plant to the endangered Karner Blue and Frosted Elfin butterflies. Many other species may also feed on its foliage.