Is Lupine Invasive?

Lupine is generally not invasive.

Native to the United States, wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) grows naturally in forest and coastal environments and is the most widespread lupine. Tall blue to purple flower stalks attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden.

Status

According to the USDA PLANTS database, the Southern Weed Science Society considers wild lupine invasive. Another lupine species, yellow bush lupine, can be invasive in northern California, particularly in coastal dune environments.

Considerations

While one organization considers wild lupine invasive, many states report this lupine as endangered. The following states list this lupine as endangered, threatened or otherwise of concern: Iowa, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Geography

Wild lupine grows throughout the northern United States from Minnesota east through New England and as far south as Florida. This plant grows in two Canadian regions, Ontario and Newfoundland.

Meaning

Gardeners should not worry about lupine becoming invasive in their garden unless they live in the southern United States, in which case they can plant lupine in containers to prevent its spread.

References

• United States Forest Service: Lupinus perennis
• USDA PLANTS Database: Lupinus perennis
• Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex: Yellow Bush Lupine
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Lupine