Nebraska Lupine
Lupinus plattensis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Nebraska Lupine is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN) (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-20). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CO, NE, NM, OK and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
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Lupinus plattensis produces tall spikes of blue to purple pea-like flowers from May through July. This drought-tolerant perennial forms compact clumps with distinctive palmate leaves and thrives in full sun conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Nebraska Lupine is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- May appear wild or weedy to conservative neighbors
- Dies back completely in winter leaving gaps
Wildlife value
The flowers are excellent for supporting native bees and butterflies during the peak growing season. As a member of the legume family, it also helps improve soil health by fixing nitrogen.
Common questions
- How much sun does Nebraska Lupine need?
- Nebraska Lupine grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Nebraska Lupine bloom?
- Nebraska Lupine blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Nebraska Lupine native?
- Nebraska Lupine (Lupinus plattensis) is native to CO, NE, NM, OK and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Nebraska Lupine toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Nebraska Lupine is listed as toxic to dogs by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN) (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Nebraska Lupine toxic to cats?
- Yes. Nebraska Lupine is listed as toxic to cats by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN) (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Nebraska Lupine attract?
- Nebraska Lupine draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Nebraska Lupine HOA-friendly?
- Nebraska Lupine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Nebraska Lupine and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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