Since lupines prefer sandy soils, I don’t have any growing in my heavy clay soil, so it is a treat for me to see road ditches filled with the colorful display. Large-leaved Lupine is native to the Western US as well as a popular cultivar introduced by gardeners in the Midwest and has become invasive in areas.  The Wild Lupine, found in the Eastern US is the only host plant for the Karner Blue butterfly caterpillar. Habitat loss has led to the decline in plants, and put the Karner Blue on the endangered species list.

Lovely Lupines