Silvery Lupine: A Native Wildflower Worth Growing
If you’re looking to add a splash of purple to your native garden while supporting local wildlife, silvery lupine (Lupinus argenteus argenteus var. laxiflorus) might just be the perfect addition to your landscape. This charming perennial wildflower brings both beauty and ecological value to gardens across much of western North America.
What is Silvery Lupine?
Silvery lupine is a native perennial forb that belongs to the pea family. As a herbaceous plant, it lacks woody stems but returns year after year with its distinctive palmate leaves and striking flower spikes. The silvery part of its name comes from the grayish-green, often silky appearance of its foliage.
Where Does Silvery Lupine Grow Naturally?
This hardy native has an impressive natural range, calling home to a vast swath of western North America. You’ll find silvery lupine growing wild across these states and provinces: British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Why Grow Silvery Lupine in Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons to consider adding this native beauty to your landscape:
- True native credentials: As a plant native to both Canada and the lower 48 states, it’s perfectly adapted to local conditions
- Pollinator magnet: Like most lupines, silvery lupine attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
- Low maintenance: Once established, native plants typically require less water and care than non-natives
- Seasonal interest: Provides beautiful flower spikes in spring and early summer
- Soil improvement: As a member of the pea family, it helps fix nitrogen in the soil
Perfect Garden Settings
Silvery lupine shines brightest in:
- Native plant gardens
- Wildflower meadows
- Xeric or drought-tolerant landscapes
- Prairie restorations
- Pollinator gardens
Growing Conditions
While specific growing requirements for this variety aren’t extensively documented, silvery lupines generally prefer:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soils; tolerates poor soils
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Climate: Hardy across USDA zones 3-8 (approximate range)
Planting and Care Tips
Growing silvery lupine successfully requires a bit of patience and the right approach:
- Starting from seed: Direct seeding in fall often works best, as seeds benefit from natural cold stratification
- Seed preparation: Scarifying seeds (lightly scratching the seed coat) can improve germination rates
- Transplanting: Like many lupines, this species doesn’t love being transplanted due to its taproot
- Watering: Water regularly the first year, then reduce as the plant establishes
- Maintenance: Minimal care needed once established; deadheading can encourage more blooms
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Before you rush out to plant silvery lupine, here are some considerations:
- This variety can be challenging to find at nurseries, as it’s quite specific
- Like many native wildflowers, it may take a season or two to become fully established
- Seeds and plants can be toxic if ingested, so keep this in mind if you have pets or small children
The Bottom Line
Silvery lupine offers gardeners in its native range a wonderful opportunity to grow a truly local wildflower that supports native pollinators and adds natural beauty to the landscape. While it may require some patience and the right growing conditions, this native perennial can be a rewarding addition to wildflower gardens and native plant landscapes. If you can source seeds or plants responsibly, silvery lupine is definitely worth considering for your next native gardening project.
