Lupinus diffusus - Skyblue lupine
Family Fabaceae
Description:
About 200 species of Lupinus are native to Africa, Europe, North America, and South America. This species is native to the southeastern United States. The low rosette of leaves is not conspicuous until early spring when it produces its spikes of blue flowers. Nodules on the roots of lupines (and many of their relatives) contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria that help supply the plant with nitrogen, even in very poor soils. This plant is reported to be toxic to livestock.
Location:
See this plant in sandy, dry natural areas of campus.
Size:
Herbaceous perennial to about twenty-four to thirty inches tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun
Water: drought tolerant
Soil: well-drained, probably best in low pH soils
This native plant is not available in nurseries around Jacksonville. It is a very attractive plant with potential for dry gardens.