Prairie Lupine is a leguminous plant that was at one point among the most populus plants in the Central and Northeastern United States. While far from endangered, it’s population is a far cry from where it was prior to developmental expansion in the U.S., as well as the era of forest fire suppression (Lupine is a key plant in the post-fire phase of the Forest Cycle).

Lupinus Perennis plays two major roles in the pollinator world. The first is that it is a pollen source for larger bees, who can uniquely access the pollen hidden within it’s enclosed petal walls by pushing their way in. It’s a fascinating sight to see, watching a bumble bee play Houdini and then reappear, covered in pollen!

Prairie Lupine is also a critical host plant for three endangered butterfly species. For the Karner Blue Butterfly and the Hairy Duskywing, it’s the only host for their caterpillars! 

Karner Blue Butterfly, which exists in the Northern States of the U.S. and Southern Canada, but has become so endangered that it mainly exists in pockets throughout the range. The Hairy Duskywing has a similar territory, though it’s range extends south to Virginia.

Reduction in availability of it’s host plant appears to have played a role in this decline, so a rise in the availability of Prairie Lupine may spark a re-emergence of the Karner Blue as a species. 

On the lighter side, Prairie Lupine also performs an amazing trick. Specifically, when the seeds are ready to be released, the seed-head pops and the seeds within go flying out, helping them to spread (including around the garden)! The seeds are also a food source for various animals, including birds.

This native plant is a beautiful treasure that is part of a unique family of flowers, and plays a special role in the North American environment. 

Care: Prairie Lupine needs a well drained soil that completely dries out periodically. It can tolerate soils that sometimes fall into drought, but doesn’t tolerate wet soils.Some examples of areas wherein it does particularly well are areas near trees, which soak up excess water, on sloped borders, and in highly sandy lowlands.

At season’s end, to aid overwintering butterfly eggs, allow the leaves to remain in place if you live within the butterfly’s range. Karner Blue’s, specifically, if they visit, lay eggs late in the season that overwinter on the fallen leaves, which also provide a protective mulch for the Lupine’s root system. Consider planting Prairie Lupine with companions that provide late season foliage and bloom displays to balance beauty with this necessity.

Consider planting Prairie Lupine with companions that provide late season foliage and bloom displays to balance beauty with this necessity. Choose a committed spot, as Lupine doesn’t like transplant once established, due to it’s ultimate development of a very lengthy tap root.