Broadleaf Lupine Seeds (Lupinus latifolius)

Broadleaf lupine is very important host plant for many butterfly caterpillars, including the Persius duskywing (Erynnis persius), Queen Alexandra’s sulphur (Colias alexandra), the western sulphur (Colias occidentalis), the clouded sulphur (Colias philodice), the orange sulphur (Colias eurytheme), the silvery blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus), the Acmon blue (Plebejus acmon), Boisduval’s blue (Icaricia icarioides), and likely several other species. Additionally this is a sturdy and deer-resistant plant that can adapt to tough conditions – even tough urban locations. Considered a fast-growing “pioneer” species, broadleaf lupine naturally occurs in areas that were previously burned, or scraped clean (such as avalanche sites). It was even a notable early colonizer of Mount St. Helens after the last eruption. Such adaptation makes this an excellent plant for roadsides, and post-industrial sites. Yet this is also a showy plant for home gardens where its strongly upright flower stalks (sometimes u