Lupin/Lupine
Nova Scotia is covered with colourful plants, and one of the most common is the lupin (lu-pin) or lupine (lu-pen), which was named after wolves. The Latin word for wolves is ‘lupi’. The Romans gave them this name for the ability to spread and take over an area, like a pack of wolves. Lupins are known for their colourful flowers, from shades of pink, purple, blue, to red, white, yellow and orange.
The lupin was not always so common; the first plant was brought from Holland and was planted in Yarmouth where it became a popular garden flower. They were then investigated by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture in the early 90’s for their beneficial properties to the soil. Lupins are now considered Nova Scotia’s unofficial flower, although the mayflower currently holds that official title. You’re likely to see beautiful colourful swaths of lupins painting the roadside in early spring.
While they are not native to Nova Scotia, lupins are native to Western Canada and can be found in the Arctic, with a total of 28 species being found across Canada.
Lupins in the Environment
While we appreciate them for their vibrant colours, lupins are very important for pollinators as they are very pollen-rich. Attracting hummingbirds, bees and other nectar loving insects, they support a large range of biodiversity in the spring. Planted properly, they can act as nitrogen fixers reversing damage to the soil caused by compaction and their roots can help decrease erosion over time.
In spite of their positive impact, they also can out-compete native flowers, which can decrease the biodiversity in an area, with the lupin plants being difficult to remove. These flowers are also toxic if consumed by livestock and herbivore wildlife. It is possible to get an allergic reaction from touching the plants; this commonly happens with people with a peanut allergy.
Identification
While their colours may stand out on the side of the road, they are very intricate plants with palm-like, lime-coloured leaves. Their leaves have round edges with no teeth with one leaf per stem. The flowers are found at the top of the stem, in a cup-like shape with four to five petals per flower, creating dry seed pods in the summer or fall. The pods open up, releasing the seeds to the world, creating new plants. Lupins have a single root called a taproot which can reach deep into the ground. To identify the different species of lupins use: http://www.luontoportti.com/suomi/en/tunnistaminen/
Planting
Lupins make any garden colourful and bright; you can help them bloom by paying attention to the following:
Light: Lupins prefer having lots of sunlight but can also grow in partial shade.
Timing: Plant the seeds in autumn; or soak the seeds overnight to help them germinate before planting in the spring.
Soil: Lupins are able to grow in a range of different soil types.
Collecting Seeds: Lupins don’t like being transplanted, but the seedpods can be cut and stored, to be planted in the following year.
Fun Facts for your Friends!
- Lupins are one of slugs’ and snails’ favorite snacks!
- The seeds of lupins can sound like rattlesnakes in the wind: ‘thssssssssss’.
- Different coloured lupins can be bred together to create rainbow and bicolour flowers in the spring.
- Lupins belong to the pea family; they are a legume.
Emilie Knighton
