Oak Ridge Lupine
Lupinus diffusus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Oak Ridge Lupine (Lupinus diffusus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, FL, GA, MS and 2 more states
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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Oak ridge lupine is a compact native perennial that produces spikes of blue to purple flowers from April through June. This low-maintenance wildflower thrives in full sun with minimal water requirements, making it well-suited for naturalized areas and drought-tolerant gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Oak Ridge Lupine takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Appears weedy to those unfamiliar with native plants
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
- Wild lupine association may concern HOAs
Wildlife value
Host plant for frosted elfin.
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the spring and early summer blooming period. As a member of the legume family, it also helps improve soil nitrogen levels.
Common questions
- How much sun does Oak Ridge Lupine need?
- Oak Ridge Lupine grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Oak Ridge Lupine bloom?
- Oak Ridge Lupine blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Oak Ridge Lupine native?
- Oak Ridge Lupine (Lupinus diffusus) is native to AL, FL, GA, MS and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Oak Ridge Lupine host?
- Oak Ridge Lupine is a larval host plant for frosted elfin.
- Is Oak Ridge Lupine HOA-friendly?
- Oak Ridge Lupine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
Ready to grow Oak Ridge Lupine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz