Family: Fabaceae
Author: Donn ex Sims
Bibliography: Bot. Mag. 32: t. 1311 (1810)
Year: 1810
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lupinus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Aleutian Is. to Washington
Description
Nootka lupine, scientifically known as Lupinus nootkatensis, is a perennial species belonging to the Fabaceae family. This striking plant is notable for its vibrant blue to purple flower spikes that stand out against its lush green foliage, creating a spectacular visual display during its blooming season.
First described in 1810 in the Botanical Magazine (Bot. Mag. 32: t. 1311) by Donn ex Sims, Nootka lupine has since captured the attention of botanists and horticulturists alike. Its native range extends from the Aleutian Islands down to Washington, showcasing its ability to adapt to a variety of climates within this span.
The plant itself typically thrives in well-drained soils and can often be found in open, sunny locations where it can maximize photosynthesis. Nootka lupine is particularly valued for its ability to improve soil quality through nitrogen fixation, a natural process facilitated by its roots, which harbor nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This trait not only supports the lupine’s growth but also benefits surrounding vegetation by enriching the soil.
Apart from its ecological contributions, Nootka lupine serves as a significant food source for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Its blooms are rich in nectar, making the plant an essential player in maintaining healthy pollinator populations.
Overall, Nootka lupine is both an ecologically and aesthetically valuable plant, playing a multifaceted role in its natural habitat. Its striking appearance, combined with its environmental benefits, makes it a beloved species among those who appreciate the rich diversity of the Pacific Northwest’s flora.
Common Names
Eng: nootka lupin, nootka lupine, scottish lupin, wild lupin
Fin: alaskanlupiini
Swe: alaskanlupiini, sandlupin
Nob: sandlupin
Nno: sandlupin
Fra: lupin de nootka
Cym: bysedd-y-blaidd gwyllt, pys y blaidd
En: Nootka lupine, Nootka lupin, Scottish Lupin, Wild Lupin
Et: Nutka lupiin
Fi: Alaskanlupiini
Fr: Lupin de Nootka
De: Alaska-Lupine
Is: Alaskalúpína
No: Sandlupin
Nb: Sandlupin
Nn: Sandlupin
Sv: Sandlupin, Alaskanlupiini
Cy: Bysedd-y-blaidd gwyllt, Pys y Blaidd
Synonyms
- Lupinus perennis subsp. nootkatensis ((Donn ex Sims) L.Ll.Phillips)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Aleutian Is. (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Washington (native)
- Yukon (native)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Kuril Is. (introduced)
- Newfoundland (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
- Sakhalin (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Birgitta Tittel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2022 by kirsti spencer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2020 by jolijn jolijn (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2020 by Magali J (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 30, 2022 by ORDUÑA Jose Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 1995 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2022 by kaitlyn verge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2019 by Hromada Martin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Frank Hübner (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 25, 2015 by EOL − Jeff Lesh (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 30, 2015 by EOL − Matt Bowser (cc-by)
Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 25, 2016 by Szabolcs Frater (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2022 by kaitlyn verge (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2964525)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:145614-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lupinus nootkatensis Sims)
Specifications
Growth form>: Bunch
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 6.0