Lupinus nootkatensis

{{taxobox |name = Lupinus nootkatensis |image = Lupinus nootkatensis - Iceland 20070706b.jpg |image_caption = Nootka lupine growing in Iceland. |regnum = Plantae |unranked_divisio = Angiosperms |unranked_classis = Eudicots |unranked_ordo = Rosids |ordo = Fabales |familia = Fabaceae |subfamilia = Faboideae |tribus = Genisteae |subtribus = Lupininae |genus = Lupinus |species = L. nootkatensis |binomial = Lupinus nootkatensis |binomial_authority = Donn ex Sims


Lupinus nootkatensis (Nootka lupin) is a lupin native to North America. It grows to 60 cm tall. It was introduced to Europe late in the 18th century.[1]

Lupinus nootkatensis (Nootka Lupin) is common on the west coast of North America, and is one of the species from which the garden hybrids are derived, being valued in Britain for its tolerance of cool, wet summers.

In Iceland, the plant has been used to combat erosion. In some places, however, this has caused problems because of the lupin spreading too quickly. It is not native to Iceland but grows very well there. Since other plants find it difficult to root in the loose, eroded soil where it is generally planted, the lupine can grow unhindered and creates monocultures which prevent native flora to flourish.

References

  1. ↑ Magnusson, B. (2006): NOBANIS – Invasive Alien Species Fact Sheet – Lupinus nootkatensis. – From: Online Database of the North European and Baltic Network on Invasive Alien Species – NOBANIS www.nobanis.org, Date of access 31 October 2008.

Sources

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lupinus nootkatensis.
A meadow of Nootka lupine growing in Iceland.