Lupinus perennis L. - Sun-Dial Lupine
Family - Fabaceae
Stems:
N/A
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Calyx.
Flowering - March - May.
Habitat - Sandhills, dry, open hammocks.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This attractive species can be found in the southern 1/3 of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its habitat, 7-11-foliolate leaves, and blue flowers (very rarely white or pink).
The genus name Lupinus is an old name derived from the Latin "lupus" meaning "a wolf" because Lupines were believed to destroy the fertility of the soil around them and wolves were very much looked down upon at the time.
The species epithet perennis derives from the Latin "perenni" meaning "throughout the year" and is so given becasue this species is a long-lived perennial.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken of Hwy 331, Walton County, FL., 3-29-05.