Origin
Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. belongs to the family Fabaceae (legume or pea family) and is native to North America.
Common Names
Common names for Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. include Wild Lupine, Sundial Lupine, and Western Lupine.
Uses
Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. has several uses. The plant's seeds were traditionally used as food by Native Americans. The Wild Lupine plant also serves as a host plant for the endangered Karner blue butterfly species, as well as other insects. It is considered an important component of several ecosystems such as oak savannas, pine barrens, and sand dunes. The roots of the plant have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria that enable the plant to fix nitrogen, which is important for soil health.
General Appearance
Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 1 to 2 feet tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide. It has palmate leaves with 7-11 leaflets that are lanceolate to elliptical in shape, and are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem. The plant produces a raceme of showy, blue, pea-like flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by a cylindrical pod containing several seeds. Wild Lupine typically grows in sunny, well-drained areas with sandy or gravelly soil, and is commonly found in grasslands, prairies, and open woods.
Light Requirements
Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. requires full sun to partial shade. They are commonly found growing in open woods, prairies, and savannas with moderate levels of light.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species thrives in cool to moderate temperatures. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they grow best in temperatures ranging from 18 to 24°C (65 to 75°F) during the day and 10 to 16°C (50 to 60°F) at night.
Soil Requirements
Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. prefers well-drained soils that are mildly acidic to neutral. They can grow in a variety of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but they prefer soils with high organic matter content. It is important for growing this plant to ensure that the soil stays consistently moist, but does not become waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
When cultivating Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats., it is advisable to plant the seeds or seedlings in spring or fall, in a well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Choose an area with full sunlight to partial shade, and make sure the soil is loose and free of weeds before planting.
Watering Needs
Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. requires an adequate amount of water to grow and thrive. During the early stages of its growth, it needs frequent watering to establish its roots. Once established, you can reduce the frequency of watering, but make sure the soil remains moist, not soggy.
Fertilization
Applying fertilizer to the soil can help Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. grow healthier and produce more flowers. During the growing season, you can apply an all-purpose fertilizer once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost, aged manure, or fish emulsion, which are a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
Pruning
Pruning Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. is not necessary, but you can deadhead the spent flowers to promote more blooming. At the end of the growing season, you can cut the stems back to the base or leave them to overwinter, depending on your preference.
Propagation of Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats.
Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation of Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. is through seed. The seeds should be collected when the seed pods have turned brown and before they start to shatter. Seeds can be either direct or indirect sown. Direct sowing is done in the fall, while indirect sowing is carried out in the seedbeds. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about ¼ inch deep and spaced about 3 inches apart. Germination of seeds takes place in about 14 to 21 days.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method that can be used to propagate Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. Cuttings should be taken during the summer months, where it is best to choose a young stem that has not yet bloomed. The cutting should be about 6 inches long and should include terminal growth, which will be planted upside down with the tip of the cutting in the soil. A rooting hormone is applied to the base of the cutting to improve the success of the cutting, and the cutting is watered regularly to prevent it from drying out. Rooting takes place in about 4 to 6 weeks, and after 10 to 12 weeks, the cutting can be transplanted.
Division
Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. can also be propagated by division, which involves digging up the roots of an established plant and dividing it into smaller sections. The divisions are then replanted in the ground or in individual containers. The best time to divide Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. is in the fall.
Disease Management
Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. is susceptible to certain fungal diseases that can lead to the death of the plant. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and is characterized by dark, sunken spots on leaves, stems, and pods. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to remove infected plant debris and to use a fungicide according to label instructions.
- Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease is caused by the Fusarium oxysporum fungus and can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves. The soil-borne pathogen attacks the roots and causes them to rot, leading to the death of the plant. Management of Fusarium wilt involves crop rotation to avoid replanting the same crop in the same soil and the use of fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management
Lupinus perennis L. ssp. perennis var. occidentalis S. Wats. is also susceptible to damage by various pests. Common pests that can affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant and can transmit viruses. To manage aphids, it is recommended to use insecticidal soaps and oils or to introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and difficult to see, but they can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on its sap. Spider mites can be managed by using insecticidal soaps and oils or by introducing predatory mites.
- Leafhoppers: These insects are small and highly mobile, making them difficult to control. They feed on the leaves and can transmit viruses. Management of leafhoppers involves the use of insecticides and regular scouting to detect and remove infected plants.
