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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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 butterflies or moths does Nootka Lupine host?

Nootka Lupine is a larval host plant for blue butterfly.

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: June 2026

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range

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

Host plant for blue butterfly.

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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 butterflies or moths does Nootka Lupine host?: Nootka Lupine is a larval host plant for blue butterfly.
Is Nootka Lupine HOA-friendly?: Nootka Lupine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Nootka Lupine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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