🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Seashore Lupine is primarily used for nitrogen fixation in coastal permaculture systems. It's not typically consumed directly by humans due to its alkaloid content. It can be used as a green manure or cover crop to improve soil fertility, especially in sandy or disturbed coastal areas. It also provides habitat and forage for pollinators and other beneficial insects.
Permapeople description
Lupinus littoralis, the seashore lupine, is a species of lupine native to the Pacific coast of North America. It is a perennial herb growing in sandy coastal habitats. It features blue to purple flowers.
Botanical description
Lupinus littoralis is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family. It grows as a prostrate or decumbent plant, forming mats or clumps. The stems are typically branched and hairy. Leaves are palmately compound with 5-9 leaflets, each leaflet is oblong to lance-shaped and covered in silvery hairs. Flowers are pea-like, typically blue or purple, and arranged in dense racemes. Fruits are legumes containing several seeds. The plant is adapted to coastal habitats, including dunes, bluffs, and sandy beaches.
Companion planting
Lupinus littoralis, as a nitrogen fixer, can benefit plants that require high nitrogen levels. It is generally compatible with other plants adapted to coastal conditions. Avoid planting near crops sensitive to allelopathic effects, although Lupinus littoralis is not strongly known for this.
Propagation methods
Propagation can be achieved through seed sowing, scarification or stratification may improve germination rates. Cuttings can also be used, although success rates may vary. Division of established plants may also be possible, though less common.
History and traditions
Historically, some indigenous groups in coastal regions of North America may have used Lupinus species, including possibly L. littoralis, for various medicinal purposes or as a food source after careful processing to remove toxic alkaloids. However, specific historical uses of L. littoralis are not well-documented compared to other Lupinus species.
Usage calendar
Flowering typically occurs from late spring to summer (May-August). Seed collection follows flowering in late summer to fall (August-October). Planting is best done in the fall or early spring. Pruning is generally not required but can be done to control spread or remove dead foliage.