Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl.

Fully hardy, stout, usually un-branched, herbaceous perennial with from 9-17 leaflets and dense racemes, to 60cm long, of blue, purple, pink or white flowers in summer.  To 1.8m.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

Introduced to Britain in 1826.  [JD]. ‘This Lupine is one of fourteen new species, mostly perennials, which have been discovered by Mr. David Douglas, in the north-west of North America, along with the Lupinus sericeus of Pursh.  The latter, and many of the others, have been raised in the Garden of the Horticultural Society, where our drawing of the present species was taken in July last.  They will prove some of the most valuable additions that have been made to our garden collections for many years.  L. polyphyllus is nearly related both to L. perennis and Nootkatensis, from which it obviously differs in its much greater stature, and lanceolate leaflets, which vary from 11 to 15, or even more; while those of either of the others are seldom more than 8.  There are also other points of difference in the calyx and corolla.  A hardy perennial, flourishing in common earth, and flowering from June to September.  It is readily increased by seeds, which are produced in great abundance.’  [BR f.1096/1827].  Don.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1845, 1850 and 1857 catalogues [H.122/1845].  Lupinus polyphyllus was ticked in a copy of the Horticultural Register, August 1831.  Although this originally belonged to James Bowman, it is likely that this plant was grown by the extended Macarthur family earlier than 1845.

Notes

Lupinus polyphyllus Ch.Anders. = Lupinus burkei S.Watson

Published Feb 07, 2009 - 02:31 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2010 - 12:31 PM

Figured is a lupin flower spike, blue, pink-tinged and palmate leaves.  Botanical Register f.1069, 1827.

Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. | BR f.1069/1827 | BHL

Family Fabaceae
Category
Region of origin

California

Synonyms
Common Name

Perennial lupin

Name in the Camden Park Record

Lupinus polyphyllus 

Confidence level high