When does sundial lupine bloom?

Sundial lupine typically flowers from May through July, producing upright spikes of blue-purple blossoms.

What pollinators visit sundial lupine?

Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of sundial lupine, drawn to its clustered spring and summer blooms.

Does sundial lupine support any specialist insects?

Sundial lupine is the only known host plant for Karner blue butterfly caterpillars, which feed exclusively on its leaves.

What growing conditions does sundial lupine need?

It grows best in full sun with dry to medium, well-drained soil, and does well in sandy or rocky sites once established.

Is sundial lupine drought tolerant?

Once its roots are established, sundial lupine tolerates dry spells well and generally prefers lower soil moisture over consistently wet conditions.

Is Sundial Lupine toxic to dogs?

Yes. Sundial Lupine is listed as toxic to dogs by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Sundial Lupine toxic to cats?

Yes. Sundial Lupine is listed as toxic to cats by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Sundial Lupine HOA-friendly?

Sundial Lupine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Sundial Lupine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lupinus perennis

Last reviewed: September 2026

Sundial lupine is a full-sun forb that blooms May through July, sending up spikes of blue-purple, pea-like flowers in sandy prairies, open woods and roadsides with dry to medium, well-drained soil.

Sundial Lupine (Lupinus perennis) — Photo: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

Sundial Lupine is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (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

AL, CT, FL, GA and 18 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Sundial lupine produces striking spikes of blue-purple flowers in late spring and early summer above palm-shaped leaves. This native wildflower grows in neat clumps and is extremely drought tolerant once established. The plant goes dormant in late summer, disappearing completely until the following spring.

Growing Sundial Lupine

Grow Sundial Lupine in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Sundial 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.

Disappears completely in late summer leaving bare ground
Can look wild or weedy compared to typical garden plants
May spread by underground runners

Wildlife value

Host plant for Karner blue, frosted elfin.

This plant is the sole host plant for the endangered Karner blue butterfly and attracts native bees and other butterflies. The flowers provide important nectar for pollinators during peak bloom season.

Common questions

When does sundial lupine bloom?: Sundial lupine typically flowers from May through July, producing upright spikes of blue-purple blossoms.
What pollinators visit sundial lupine?: Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of sundial lupine, drawn to its clustered spring and summer blooms.
Does sundial lupine support any specialist insects?: Sundial lupine is the only known host plant for Karner blue butterfly caterpillars, which feed exclusively on its leaves.
What growing conditions does sundial lupine need?: It grows best in full sun with dry to medium, well-drained soil, and does well in sandy or rocky sites once established.
Is sundial lupine drought tolerant?: Once its roots are established, sundial lupine tolerates dry spells well and generally prefers lower soil moisture over consistently wet conditions.
Is Sundial Lupine toxic to dogs?: Yes. Sundial Lupine is listed as toxic to dogs by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Sundial Lupine toxic to cats?: Yes. Sundial Lupine is listed as toxic to cats by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Sundial Lupine HOA-friendly?: Sundial Lupine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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