Garfield Lupine: A Rare Pacific Northwest Native Worth Protecting
Meet the Garfield lupine (Lupinus garfieldensis), a little-known native wildflower that calls Washington state home. This perennial member of the pea family might not be as famous as its showier lupine cousins, but it has its own quiet charm and important ecological role in the Pacific Northwest.
What Makes Garfield Lupine Special
Garfield lupine is what botanists call a forb – essentially a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. Unlike trees or shrubs, this lupine doesn’t develop thick, woody stems but instead dies back to ground level each winter and emerges fresh each spring from buds at or below the soil surface.
You might occasionally see this plant listed under its botanical synonyms, including Lupinus sericeus var. asotinensis, but Lupinus garfieldensis is the accepted name for this distinct Washington native.
Where to Find It (Or Not Find It)
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit concerning. Garfield lupine is found only in Washington state, making it what we call an endemic species. Its limited range immediately puts it in a special category that deserves our attention and protection.
A Word of Caution: Rarity Matters
Before you get too excited about adding this lupine to your garden, there’s something important you need to know. Garfield lupine has a Global Conservation Status of S3Q, which indicates its conservation status is somewhat undefined but potentially of concern. In simple terms, this plant is rare enough that we need to be thoughtful about how we interact with it.
If you’re determined to grow Garfield lupine, here’s the golden rule: only obtain seeds or plants from reputable, ethical sources that practice responsible collection. Never collect from wild populations, as this could further threaten an already uncommon species.
Garden Potential and Growing Considerations
While specific growing information for Garfield lupine is limited due to its rarity, we can make some educated assumptions based on its classification as a Pacific Northwest native forb. Like most lupines, it likely prefers:
- Well-draining soils
- Full sun to partial shade
- Moderate water during growing season
- Cool, moist winters typical of its Washington habitat
As a perennial forb, Garfield lupine would theoretically make a lovely addition to native plant gardens, pollinator gardens, or naturalized landscapes. However, given its rarity, most gardeners would be better served by choosing more common lupine species that can provide similar ecological benefits without the conservation concerns.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
If you’re drawn to lupines for your Pacific Northwest garden, consider these more readily available native alternatives:
- Large-leaved lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus)
- Silky lupine (Lupinus sericeus)
- Seashore lupine (Lupinus littoralis) for coastal gardens
These species can provide the beautiful spikes of pea-like flowers that make lupines so attractive to both gardeners and pollinators, without the ethical concerns of growing a rare species.
The Bottom Line
Garfield lupine represents something precious in our native plant world – a species with a story tied to a specific place and time. While it might not be the best choice for most home gardens due to its rarity, learning about plants like this helps us appreciate the incredible diversity of our native flora and the importance of protecting these botanical treasures for future generations.
If you encounter Garfield lupine in the wild during your Washington adventures, take a moment to appreciate this special plant, snap a photo, and leave it undisturbed for others to discover and enjoy.
