Lupinus

Lupins are mainly from North America, with a range of perennials and shrubs. We currently grow a couple of shrubby species, with palmate leaves and pea-like flowers in spring.

Both border and shrub lupins are extremely attractive to pollinators, especially bumblebees and honeybees. In their native localities, there are several butterflies and moths dependent upon them, although in Britain and Ireland if they are eaten, it is by generalist herbivores.Given the long history of cultivation, it is not surprising that some have become well-established here (L. nootkatensis especially along Scottish riverbanks, and L. arboreus on sand dunes): it would be prudent to try and prevent lupins from escaping from gardens where possible.