Plant Details

Lupinus arboreus

Tree lupine

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, harvest period and uses of Lupinus arboreus.

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General Information

Scientific name: Lupinus arboreus
Also known as: Tree lupine

Plant Properties

Layer: Shrub
Size: Small
Height: 1.50 m
Width: 1.20 m
Growth Rate: Fast
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 7-10
Soil Moisture:
Moist, Well-drained
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
-
Edibility:
(0)
Medicinal:
(0)
Features:
Pioneer species, Nitrogen fixer, Fragrant, Dye

Description

The flowers produce a bright yellow dye. The root fibers have been used to make rope for nets and similar items. Plants are used in soil remediation projects to stabilize sandy soils and dunes. Because they grow quickly and are tolerant of marine exposure, they provide rapid shelter for other plants and enrich the soil with nitrogen. It is an excellent pioneer plant in permaculture; even in exposed locations, it grows quickly to its maximum height of about 1.5 meters and provides shelter for other less tolerant plants to grow. It is especially useful for helping to establish shrubs and herbaceous perennials in small gardens.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/08
End of Harvest: 30/09