How much sun does Nootka Lupine need?

Nootka Lupine grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Nootka Lupine bloom?

Nootka Lupine blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Nootka Lupine native?

Nootka Lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis) is native to WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Nootka Lupine toxic to dogs?

Yes. Nootka 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 Nootka Lupine toxic to cats?

Yes. Nootka 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.

Is Nootka Lupine toxic to livestock?

Nootka Lupine is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

What pollinators does Nootka Lupine attract?

Nootka Lupine draws bees and butterflies.

Is Nootka Lupine HOA-friendly?

Nootka Lupine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Nootka Lupine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lupinus nootkatensis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Nootka 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.

Nootka Lupine is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains

Nootka lupine is a showy native perennial that produces tall spikes of blue, purple, or white pea-like flowers from May through July. This native forms attractive clumps with distinctive palmate leaves and can reach up to 4 feet tall in optimal conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Nootka Lupine is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

Can look messy after blooming when seed pods develop
May spread by self-seeding which some view as weedy

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the seeds provide food for birds. As a legume, it also fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting surrounding plants.

Common questions

How much sun does Nootka Lupine need?: Nootka Lupine grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Nootka Lupine bloom?: Nootka Lupine blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Nootka Lupine native?: Nootka Lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis) is native to WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Nootka Lupine toxic to dogs?: Yes. Nootka 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 Nootka Lupine toxic to cats?: Yes. Nootka 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.
Is Nootka Lupine toxic to livestock?: Nootka Lupine is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
What pollinators does Nootka Lupine attract?: Nootka Lupine draws bees and butterflies.
Is Nootka Lupine HOA-friendly?: Nootka Lupine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate 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.

See all plant problem guides

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Nootka Lupine and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.

Find pet-safe natives

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz