Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus)
Legume Family (Fabaceae)

Habitat:

This biennial grows in meadows and is also planted in gardens. The flower stalks grow to a height of 2 feet.

Leaves:

Basal, palmately compound, the leaflets being long and slender.

Flowers:

Small and purple, sometimes white or pink, shaped like a butterfly's wing. Many flowers are clustered along each stem.

Fruit:

The fruit are legumes that dry and crack open, dispensing the seeds.

Helpful Tips:

This lupine is not native to Maine. It originated in western North America, but was brought here for aesthetic reasons. For more information, see Audubon Wildflower or Flora of Maine.