Lupinus albus aka Mediterranean White Lupin

Lupinus albus, or white lupin, is in the pea family, Fabaceae. Its names also include Egyptian lupin, lupini bean and wolf bean. This annual lives for one year. It comes from southern Europe and western Asia. Its range runs from Slovenia and Bulgaria south to Greece and Turkey. It grows on acid ground where soil has been disturbed. The soil is often poor, with few plants to compete with. People have grown it since ancient times. They grew it in Greece, Italy, Egypt and Cyprus.

The plant forms a bush with upright stems that branch. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall and wide. The RHS gives a height of around 2.6 feet [0.8 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants gives a taller limit of 3.9 feet [1.2 metres]. A strong taproot holds the plant in place. Its palmate leaves spread like a hand, with up to nine narrow leaflets. Fine, soft hairs coat the stems and the leaves' undersides. The leaves do not stay on all year.

Upright flower spikes rise above the leaves in early summer. The pea-like blooms range from white to deep blue. Bees pollinate the flowers. The plants can also use their own pollen to set seed. Seedpods form after the blooms and hold the crop's edible seeds. Cutting off spent flowers can help the plant bloom more. Growers raise new plants from seed. Plants reach full size within one year.

Choose full sun and light soil that drains well. The RHS also lists part shade as a site that suits it. Soil with a slight acid content is best. Neutral soil works too. Listed soil types are sand, loam and chalk. The RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H3. This suits mild or coastal parts of Britain. Grow it in flower beds, cottage gardens or coastal gardens. Its roots fix nitrogen, so it serves as summer green manure. For this use, do not let plants set seed.

Lupin aphids, slugs and snails may attack the plant. Powdery mildew, lupin anthracnose and virus diseases can cause harm too. People grow white lupin for looks and for food. Its seeds also yield oil. Seeds need proper treatment before anyone eats them. Toxic alkaloids make seeds unsafe without this treatment. Food preparation must lower the levels of these compounds. The RHS warns that eating the plant can harm people and pets. It also says to wear gloves and other protection when handling it. Fungal toxins can taint crushed seeds and cause illness.