Howell’s Lupine: A Rare Oregon Native Worth Knowing About
If you’re a native plant enthusiast exploring the diverse world of Pacific Northwest flora, you might have come across the name Howell’s lupine (Lupinus johannishowellii). This intriguing perennial herb represents one of the more elusive members of the beloved lupine family, and there’s a compelling story behind why you probably won’t find it at your local nursery.
What Makes Howell’s Lupine Special?
Howell’s lupine is a true Oregon native, belonging to the extensive and colorful lupine genus that gardeners adore. As a perennial forb, it lacks the woody stems of shrubs and trees, instead producing herbaceous growth that emerges from underground perennating buds each growing season. This growth pattern is typical of many wildflowers that have adapted to survive harsh winters and dry summers.
Where Does It Call Home?
This particular lupine species is endemic to Oregon, meaning it naturally occurs nowhere else in the world. Oregon’s diverse ecosystems, from coastal ranges to high desert plateaus, have given rise to numerous endemic plant species, making the state a treasure trove for botanists and native plant lovers alike.
The Reality of Rarity
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit concerning. Howell’s lupine appears to be extraordinarily rare, with very limited information available about its current status, habitat requirements, or even whether viable populations still exist. This scarcity of information often indicates that a species may be critically endangered or possibly extinct in the wild.
Should You Try to Grow It?
Given the apparent rarity of Howell’s lupine, attempting to grow it presents several challenges:
- Seeds or plants are not commercially available
- Specific growing requirements are undocumented
- Collecting from wild populations (if any exist) would be ecologically irresponsible
- Without proper research, cultivation attempts could fail
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
While you may not be able to grow Howell’s lupine specifically, Oregon is home to several other native lupine species that can bring similar beauty and ecological benefits to your garden:
- Bigleaf lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) – A robust perennial with stunning flower spikes
- Broadleaf lupine (Lupinus latifolius) – Excellent for mountain and foothill gardens
- Silky lupine (Lupinus sericeus) – Drought-tolerant with silvery foliage
- Riverbank lupine (Lupinus rivularis) – Perfect for moist areas
The Bigger Picture
The story of Howell’s lupine serves as a reminder of how much we still don’t know about our native flora and how quickly species can slip away before we fully understand them. As gardeners, we can play a crucial role in conservation by:
- Choosing well-documented native species for our gardens
- Supporting native plant societies and botanical research
- Creating habitat corridors with common native plants
- Being mindful consumers of native plant material
Moving Forward
While we may not be able to add Howell’s lupine to our garden wish lists, its existence (or former existence) in Oregon’s landscape reminds us of the incredible diversity that native plant communities can support. By choosing other native lupines and supporting conservation efforts, we can help ensure that future generations will have the chance to discover and appreciate the full spectrum of our native flora.
Sometimes the most important plants are the ones that teach us about loss, rarity, and the urgent need to protect what we still have. In that sense, Howell’s lupine has given us a valuable gift – a call to action wrapped in mystery.
