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Lupinus arboreus - Sims.

Common Name Tree Lupin, Yellow bush lupine
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards The seed of many lupin species contain bitter-tasting toxic alkaloids, though there are often sweet varieties within that species that are completely wholesome[65, 76]. Taste is a very clear indicator. These toxic alkaloids can be leeched out of the seed by soaking it overnight and discarding the soak water. It may also be necessary to change the water once during cooking. Fungal toxins also readily invade the crushed seed and can cause chronic illness[65].
Habitats Stable sand dunes, coastal scrub and pine forest close to the coast. Naturalized by the sea in S. England[184].
Range South-western N. America - California to Oregon. Naturalized in S. England.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (5 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Lupinus arboreus Tree Lupin,  Yellow bush lupine


Lupinus arboreus Tree Lupin,  Yellow bush lupine

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Lupinus arboreus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.2 m (4ft in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Dye  Pioneer  Soil reclamation  String

A bright yellow dye is obtained from the flowers[168]. The root fibres have been used to make a string for making nets etc[257]. Plants are used in land reclamation schemes to stabilize sandy soils and dunes[200]. Because they are fast growing and tolerant of maritime exposure, they quickly provide shelter for other plants as well as enriching the soil with nitrogen[K]. An excellent pioneering plant in permaculture, even in exposed areas it grows rapidly to its maximum height of about 1.5 metres and will give shelter to enable other less tolerant plants to become established. It is especially useful for helping the establishment of shrubs and herbaceous perennials in small gardens[K].

Special Uses

Dynamic accumulator  Food Forest  Nitrogen Fixer  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained dry or moist soil in a sunny position[11, 182]. Prefers an alkaline soil[188]. Grows well near the coast[11], resisting maritime exposure. Established plants are drought tolerant[190]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[233]. Hardy to about -15°c[184, 200]. Plants are hardy in all but severe winters in Britain[200], though they become less hardy with age[11]. A fast-growing but short-lived plant[182], especially when growing in rich soils[11]. Plants have reached 2.7 metres tall and wide within 4 years from seed in a rich soil, flowering and producing seed prolifically[11]. Plants self-sow when in a suitable position[200]. The flowers bear the fragrance of white clover[245]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a greenhouse[1, 200]. Germination should take place within a couple of weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. It should also be possible to sow the seed in situ in mid to late spring. Protect the seed from mice. Cuttings of short side-shoots with a heel, July/August in a frame[11].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Lupinus albusWhite LupinAnnual1.2 0-0  LMNM414
Lupinus albus graecus Annual1.0 0-0  LMHNDM403
Lupinus angustifoliusBlue Lupin, Narrowleaf lupineAnnual1.0 7-9  LMNM404
Lupinus hirsutus Annual0.0 0-0  LMHNM203
Lupinus littoralisSeashore LupinePerennial0.5 6-9  LMHNM203
Lupinus luteusYellow Lupin, European yellow lupineAnnual0.6 5-9  LMNM303
Lupinus mutabilisPearl Lupin, TarwiAnnual1.5 8-11  LMHNM504
Lupinus nootkatensisBlue Lupine, Nootka lupinePerennial0.7 4-8  LMHNM303
Lupinus perennisSundial LupinePerennial0.6 4-8  LMNDM313
Lupinus polyphyllusBig-Leaf Lupin, LupinePerennial1.5 5-9 MLMHNM114
Lupinus tauris Shrub0.0 0-0  LMNDM003
Lupinus termisWhite LupinAnnual1.0 0-0  LMHNM203

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

Sims.

Botanical References

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Subject : Lupinus arboreus  
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