Big Leaf Lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus

Fabaceae

• Spokane Native
• Sun - Part Shade
• Size: 4' tall x 4' wide
• Drought Tolerant: no
• Evergreen: no
• Flower Color: purple/blue (May - August)
• Wildlife value: pollinators, hummingbirds, and bumblebees 

Big Leaf Lupine is a robust perennial with stout, mostly unbranched, hollow stems arising from a woody rootstock. Prefers moist, cool soils along streambanks, meadow edges, and wetland margins. Tolerates some dryness once established but thrives with consistent moisture.

Stately spires of large, deep blue to purple pea-shaped flowers bloom in long, dense racemes from late spring through summer, creating dramatic vertical accents up to 5 feet tall. Bold, rich-green, palmate leaves with 9 or more leaflets provide lush foliage throughout the growing season. This somewhat succulent lupine is one of the tallest and most ornamental western native species. One of the first plants to colonize disturbed areas, notably returning after the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption.

As a nitrogen-fixing legume, big leaf lupine enriches and rejuvenates depleted soils. Deep roots help prevent erosion, making it valuable for riparian restoration and stabilizing streambanks. Provides shaded microclimates beneficial for salmon and steelhead. Excellent bumble bee and native pollinator plant. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Seeds provide wildlife food.

This can be used in moist meadow gardens, rain gardens, riparian restoration, native plant gardens, or naturalized areas. Plant toward the back of borders where its tall, sculptural form creates stunning vertical interest. Forms attractive colonies in open, fertile meadows and recently disturbed areas. Ideal for areas with consistent moisture.

Note: All parts of lupines can be toxic to livestock if consumed in large quantities. Seeds contain alkaloids that can be harmful to grazing animals. Beautiful and beneficial in appropriate wildlife and restoration settings.