Genus Lupinus also known as Lupins, member of the Fabaceae.
Lupines (also known as Lupins) are plants of genus Lupinus in the legume family Fabaceae. There are over 280 species, most of which are found in the Americas, although there are also species centers in the Mediterranean and Africa.
Lupines are herbaceous perennials that grow 0.3-1.5m tall. Some are annuals, and a few are shrubs that grow to 3m. Leaves are usually palmately divided into 5-28 leaflets. Flowers grow as whorls on an erect spike. Each flower is about 1-2cm long with a peaflower-type shape. Their resemblance to to bonnets lead a number of species to have common names such as bluebonnets or quaker bonnets.
Lupin seeds contain a range of amino acids making them nutritious. Romans ate them as "lupin beans", and in the 21st century they are increasingly recognized as a cash crop alternative to soy that can be grown in cooler climates.
Gardeners usually grow lupins as ornamental plants due to their impressive flower spikes; but they can also be grown as companion plants providing nitrogen to their neighbors.
Use this tag for all questions about growing lupines.
