Blue lupin, Nootka lupine
Lupinus nootkatensis
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
An erect branched plant. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 40-100 cm high. It grows i clumps. The leaves are compound with leaflets spread out like fingers on a hand. The flowers are blue. They are in long clusters at the ends of branches. The seed pods are dark and hairy.
There are about 200 Lupinus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It can grow in a range of places from coastal regions to alpine meadows.
Countries/locations it is found in
Alaska, Asia, Britain, Canada, Europe, North America
How it is used for food
Caution: The rhizomes contain toxins that are poisonous if eaten raw. They should be cooked before eating. The roots are peeled and boiled.
They are a famine food.
Edible parts
Root, seeds, seedpod, caution