Lupinus villosus aka Lady Lupine

Lupinus villosus is a wildflower in the bean family, Fabaceae. Its common names include lady lupine and hairy lupine. It grows in the southeastern United States. Its range runs from North Carolina to Florida and west to Louisiana. Open sandhills provide its main habitat. There, sandy ground lets water drain away fast. This species grows as an annual or a short-lived perennial.

The plant has an upright form and a deep taproot. Its green leaves grow alternately along the stems. Each leaf is simple, with an oval shape and smooth edges. Soft hairs give the leaves a velvet feel. The leaves point upward and fall at the season's end. They measure about 0.17–0.5 feet [0.05–0.15 metres] long. The stems have no scent. Plants grow at a moderate rate.

Flowers bloom from April to May in terminal racemes. These clusters measure about 0.33–0.58 feet [0.10–0.18 metres] long. Each pea-like flower is lavender-blue, with a red-purple mark above. The two lower petals join together. Plants can flower most freely in their third year. Few survive into a fourth year. Long, flat legume pods follow the flowers from June to August. The blooms draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Bumble bees find them of special value.

Give lady lupine dry, sandy soil with very good drainage. Slightly acid soil suits it best. Full sun supports the strongest bloom. Light afternoon shade can help where summers turn hot. NC State lists it for USDA zones 8–10. Yet heat and damp summer air can shorten its life. Gardeners may grow it as an annual under those conditions. It tolerates drought, but its exacting needs make growing it hard. Its deep root makes transplanting difficult. Seed is the listed means of propagation.

Lady lupine can serve as an accent in native gardens. It also suits coastal, drought-tolerant, and pollinator plantings. Powdery mildew can occur; good airflow helps limit this problem. NC State reports that it is rare in North Carolina. Protecting its wild habitat matters. The seeds contain toxic alkaloids and are not food. Eating large amounts can cause sleepiness and convulsions. They can also slow breathing and the heartbeat. NC State rates its poison severity as low. The plant does not cause contact dermatitis.