Bingen Lupine: A Rare Pacific Northwest Native Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native plants and love discovering botanical gems, let me introduce you to Bingen lupine (Lupinus bingenensis var. dubius). This perennial wildflower is one of those special plants that flies under the radar—and for good reason. It’s a rare native that calls only a small corner of the Pacific Northwest home.
What Makes Bingen Lupine Special?
Bingen lupine is a true native of the lower 48 states, but don’t expect to find it just anywhere. This distinctive lupine variety has made itself at home exclusively in Oregon and Washington, making it a real treasure for Pacific Northwest gardeners who appreciate regional natives.
Like other members of the lupine family, this is a herbaceous perennial—what botanists call a forb. That simply means it’s a soft-stemmed flowering plant that comes back year after year, rather than developing woody stems like shrubs or trees.
The Challenge (and Appeal) of Growing Bingen Lupine
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. Bingen lupine appears to be quite rare in cultivation, and detailed growing information is surprisingly scarce. This could mean a few things:
- It may have very specific habitat requirements that make it challenging to grow
- It could be naturally rare in the wild
- It might simply be underutilized in gardens and landscaping
If you’re determined to grow this native beauty, your best bet is to connect with native plant societies in Oregon or Washington, botanical gardens specializing in regional flora, or conservation organizations that might have experience with rare Pacific Northwest lupines.
A Word of Caution About Plant Sourcing
Given the limited distribution and apparent rarity of Bingen lupine, it’s crucial to source any plants or seeds responsibly. Never collect from wild populations, as this could harm already limited populations. Instead:
- Work with reputable native plant nurseries
- Contact local conservation organizations
- Reach out to university extension programs in Oregon or Washington
- Connect with native plant societies that specialize in rare species
What We Know About Lupines in General
While specific information about Bingen lupine is limited, we can share some general lupine wisdom that might apply. Most lupines prefer well-draining soil and can actually improve soil health by fixing nitrogen through their root systems—a neat trick that benefits neighboring plants too.
Lupines typically produce gorgeous spikes of flowers that are magnets for pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. If Bingen lupine follows this family pattern, it could be a valuable addition to pollinator gardens in its native range.
Should You Plant Bingen Lupine?
This is a plant for the true native plant enthusiast—someone who loves a challenge and wants to grow something genuinely rare and special. If you live in Oregon or Washington and have experience with native plants, Bingen lupine could be an incredible addition to a native plant collection or restoration project.
However, if you’re new to native gardening or looking for easy-to-grow options, you might want to start with more common lupine species that are readily available and well-documented for garden use.
The Bottom Line
Bingen lupine represents the fascinating diversity of our native flora—even within well-known plant families like lupines, there are rare gems waiting to be appreciated. While growing this variety may require some detective work and patience, supporting rare native plants through responsible cultivation is one way gardeners can contribute to preserving our botanical heritage.
If you do manage to track down Bingen lupine, consider yourself part of an exclusive club of gardeners growing one of the Pacific Northwest’s more elusive native beauties.
