Plant Data Sheet
Lupinus nootkatensis, Nootka lupine or Blue Lupine
http://www.stewo.no/L/Lupinus%20nootkatensis%20KD.jpg
http://www.renyswildflowers.com/20691.html
Range: North-western
North America to
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=LUNON
Climate, elevation: Can
survive very cold winters with annual averages as low as -30 degrees Farhenheit. Prefers full sun on well
drained, rocky soil. USDA zones 04a-10b.
Local occurrence (where,
how common):
Habitat preferences: Full
sun, such as roadsides and open banks. Requires well-drained
but moist soil whether sandy, loamy or clayey.
Plant strategy type/successional stage (stress-tolerator,
competitor, weedy/colonizer, seral, late successional): Nitrogen-fixing pioneer species.
Associated species: In
mountain-heath dwarf shrub communities of the Alpine Tundra, other species
include mertens cassiope (Cassiope mertensiana),
starry cassiope (C. stelleriana),
luetkea (Luetkea pectinata), bog blueberry (Vaccinium
uliginosum), dwarf blueberry (V. caespitosum),
May be collected as:
(seed, layered, divisions, etc.): Seed, division in early March (difficult), or basal
cuttings in April. Seed is preferred form.
Collection restrictions or
guidelines: Blooms in mid summer, and
late summer/early fall. Allow pods to become dry on the plant and break them
open to collect seed. If performing basal cuttings, harvest the shoots when
they are 10cm long. Pot them into individual pots in a cold frame or greenhouse
with light shade until well-rooted. Plant basal cuttings outside
in the summer.
Seed germination (needs
dormancy breaking?): If not directly seeding, pre-soak seeds for 24 hours
in warm water bath and sow in early spring in a greenhouse. When they are large
enough to handle, plant seedlings in individual pots and plant out in early
summer.
Seed life (can be stored,
short shelf-life, long shelf-life): Information not available
Recommended seed storage
conditions: Information
not available
Propagation
recommendations (plant seeds, vegetative parts, cuttings, etc.): When
planting with seed, sow directly outside in the fall or stratify before sowing
indoors. Seeds must be scarified before sowing. Sow seeds 2 cm to maximize
germination rates.
Soil or medium
requirements (inoculum necessary?): Requires
mildly acidic soils with a pH around 6.1 to 6.5. Associated
with certain soil bacteria that may be introduced to the soil medium to
increase chances of success.
Installation form (form,
potential for successful outcomes, cost): Seeds
are the best form to use and they are easy and free to collect.
Recommended planting
density: Space at 18-24 inches apart
Care requirements after
installed (water weekly, water once etc.):
May need to be protected from herbivory by mice and slugs. Does not tolerate drought and
may need supplemental water until established.
Normal rate of growth or
spread; lifespan: Overall spreading
herbaceous perennial living 3-10 years. Reaches 3 inches to 1
foot in height.
Sources cited:
Dave’s
Garden. Detailed
information on Nootka Lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis).
Date accessed: 9 May 2006.
<http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/51569///>.
Plants For a Future: Edible,
medicinal and useful plants for a healthier world. Lupinus
nootkatensis – Donn. ex Sims. Date accessed: 9 May 2006. <http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Lupinus+nootkatensis>.
United States Department of
Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Service. PLANTS Profile: Lupinus nootkatensis Donn ex Sims var. nootkatensis
Nootka lupine. Date accessed: 9 May 2006. <http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=LUNON>.
Appendix 5.2 Tundra Habitats.
Featured Species-associated Tundra Habitats: Arctic, Alpine
and Maritime Tundra. Date accessed: 9 May 2006. <http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/ngplan/files/appendix5.2tundra_habitats.pdf>.
Crescent Bloom. Lupinus nootkatensis. Date accessed: 9 May 2006. <http://www.crescentbloom.com/Plants/Specimen/LU/Lupinus%20nootkatensis.htm>.
Parker, Reny.
Wildflowers: A Closer Look. Lupinus nootkatensis: Nootka Lupine. Date accessed: 9 May 2006.
<http://www.renyswildflowers.com/20691.html>.
Stauder, L.. Photo by Kjell
Dragland. Date accessed: 9 May 2006. <http://www.stewo.no/L/Lupinus%20nootkatensis%20KD.jpg>.
Data compiled by: Linda Arnoldi 9 May 2006