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Silvery Lupine

Lupinus argenteus, Fabaceae

Zones
4–8
Layer
Herbaceous
Lifespan
Perennial
Growth
Moderate

Guild Roles

Nitrogen FixerPollinator AttractorBeneficial Insect HabitatDynamic Accumulator

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

Moderate (established)High (seedling)

Soil pH

6 – 8

Tolerances

Drought
Frost
Heat
Pest Resistance
Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Willowleaf SunflowerHelianthus salicifolius
Nitrogen Fixation
Canadian ServiceberryAmelanchier canadensis
Nitrogen Fixation
Post OakQuercus stellata
Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat
Canadian Milk VetchAstragalus canadensis
Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing
California BromeBromus carinatus
Nitrogen FixationWind Protection
Sawtooth SunflowerHelianthus grosseserratus
Nitrogen Fixation
Large-flowered BeardtonguePenstemon grandiflorus
Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing
Longhair SedgeCarex comosa
Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Antagonistic Plants

Pineland Three-awnAristida stricta

Pineland three-awn grass produces root exudates that can inhibit legume establishment and nodulation

Whipple's PenstemonPenstemon whippleanus

Some penstemon species may produce compounds that interfere with legume nodulation and growth

Least Crown VetchCoronilla minima

Both legumes compete for similar rhizobial partnerships and root space, with lupine alkaloids potentially inhibiting other legume growth

Creeping Oregon GrapeMahonia repens

Mahonia produces berberine and other alkaloids that can inhibit nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with legumes like Lupinus

Giant Red PaintbrushCastilleja miniata

Giant red paintbrush may parasitize lupine roots, though relationship complexity varies by conditions

Uses

Functions

Soil ImprovementPollinator SupportSlope Stabilization

Common Questions

What zones does Silvery Lupine grow in?

Silvery Lupine grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8.

Is Silvery Lupine a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Silvery Lupine is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Silvery Lupine?

Good companions for Silvery Lupine include Willowleaf Sunflower, Canadian Serviceberry, Post Oak, Canadian Milk Vetch, California Brome.

Design guilds with Silvery Lupine and see companion relationships visually.

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