Arctic Lupine
Lupinus arcticus
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Lupinus
- Species:
- Lupinus arcticus
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 1-2 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- Blue, Purple
Native Range
United States: Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
- Bee Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Hecla sulphur (Colias hecla), Mountain Clouded Yellow (Colias nastes), Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus), Western Blue (Plebejus icarioides)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Fuzzy-horned bumble bee (Bombus mixtus), Fuzzy-horned bumble bee (Bombus mixtus), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius), Western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), Western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in cold, arctic environments
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: L. arcticus is found from Alaska to the Northwest Territories and south to northern Oregon.
Source: npn.rngr.net