We have changed the common name of our Lupine – previously sold as “Wild Lupine.”  We are clarifying which species we offer:

SUNDIAL LUPINE is Lupinus perennis subsp. perennis. This exact species is historically native and used to be prolific around the eastern perimeter of the U.S.  The confusion stems from the fact that other species are often called “Wild Lupine.”

One particularly problematic species is Lupinus polyphyllus, or Western Lupine, which is native to the west coast but has been introduced in gardens across the country.

Because Western Lupine (L. polyphyllus) is a larger, showier plant and spreads rapidly, it has infiltrated the seed market as “Wild Lupine” and incorrectly as “Lupinus perennis.” It has been proven to be very aggressive, especially in the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions. Beyond its ability to spread and overwinter, L. polyphyllus is upsetting the balance of local wildlife in the eastern half of the U.S. – most notably for the federally endangered Karner Blue Butterfly whose only larval host is Sundial Lupine. The Western Lupine is NOT a larval host for this beloved species, despite the marketing push; according to the National Park Service, the foliage is poisonous. Any Karner Blues that mistakenly lay their eggs on this plant have doomed their caterpillars. Sadly, L. polyphyllus readily hybridizes with Sundial Lupine; the resulting plants are also inhospitable.

Order Sundial Lupine