British Columbia Outdoor Wilderness Guide |
- Lupine
(Lupinus arcticus)
a.k.a. arctic lupine
Lupines
are one of the more common wildflowers in British
Columbia. This member of the pea family is a perennial
which can reach a height of over 70 cm.
- LEAVES:
- -
the majority come from the base of the plant
- -
long stalks (twice as long as the blade)
- -
Lupines have 6-8 leaflets (3-6 cm. long) eminating
from the end of the leaf stem: spear-shaped
with sharp pointed tips
- -
smooth upper surface with a hairy underside
- -
at night the leaflets fold down
- -
the cluster of leaflets follows the sun throughout
the day
- FLOWERS:
- -
Lupine flowers are blue, purple or pink 12-15
mm. long
- -
are in clusters on long spikes
- -
pea-like
- FRUIT:
- -
4 cm. hairy pods
- HABITAT:
- -
Lupines grow in moist climates throughout
BC.
- -
Lupines appear at all elevations but predominantly
in mid to subalpine areas
- -
Lupines prefer open areas.
- FASCINATING
FACTS:
- -
Lupines provide a beautiful panorama in British
Columbia meadows
- -
a favourite delicacy of BC's loveable marmots
- -
some forms of Lupine are regularly cultivated
in gardens
- -
after a rain, look for the 'diamonds' of water
glistening in the 'palms' of the Lupine leaves.
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