Lupinus nootkatensis aka Nootka Lupin

Taxonomy ID: 11600

Lupinus nootkatensis, also known as the Nootka lupine, is a perennial plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. Native to North America, this robust and clump-forming perennial can reach heights of up to 1m. It features velvety palmate leaves divided into 6-8 narrow leaflets. In early summer, whorls of lightly scented, pea-like flowers bloom on upright stems, displaying shades of blue, white, pink, purple, or pure white. Following the flowering season, hairy green pods of seeds develop. The Nootka lupine is commonly found along the west coast of North America and is highly valued in Britain and other North-European countries for its ability to tolerate cool, wet summers. It is one of the species used to create garden hybrids. In its native habitat, it can be seen growing along roadsides, gravel bars, and forest clearings from the Aleutian Islands and Southcentral Alaska to British Columbia. With its self-seeding nature, lupine often catches the eye with its vibrant blueish purple flowers from afar. While Nootka lupine is primarily a wild plant, it can also be cultivated as a houseplant. As a rare houseplant, it requires regular watering to thrive and prefers long-lasting, direct light, ideally within 1 foot of a window. Well-draining soil is essential for its growth. Repotting the plant every time it doubles in size eliminates the need for additional fertilizers. Nootka lupine belongs to the Lupinus genus and is native to Northwestern North America.

Common names

Nootka Lupin, Nootka Lupine, Scottish Lupin

More information about Nootka Lupin

What is the growth pattern and size of Nootka Lupin?

New growth will sprout from the top of the Nootka Lupin as it grows vertically.

What is the region of origin of Nootka Lupin

Nootka Lupin’s native range is North-western N. America to N. Asia. Naturalized in Britain.

What are the water needs for Nootka Lupin

Nootka Lupin should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Nootka Lupin

Nootka Lupin loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Nootka Lupin

Nootka Lupin requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Nootka Lupine is always in the right place to thrive.

How to fertilize Nootka Lupin

Once the Nootka Lupin has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Is Nootka Lupin toxic to humans/pets?

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

More info:
Wikipedia