Sundial lupine, Wild Lupine, Bluebonnets, Blue lupine
Lupinus perennis
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A small plant. It grows 30-60 cm high and spreads 30 cm wide. It keeps growing from year to year. The roots are woody and slender and spread sideways. The leaves are compound and divided into small leaflets. The flowers are blue-purple. The fruit are hairy seed pods. These propel the seeds about 1 m away. The mature seeds are poisonous.
There are about 200 Lupinus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in sandy and dry acid soils. It grows in open woodlands. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
CAUTION: The mature seeds are poisonous. They need special preparation. The seeds are eaten after roasting or boiling.
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Seeds are harvested as soon as they are fully ripe. They are dried and stored