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Summary

Physical Characteristics

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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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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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Lupinus albus	White Lupin	Annual	1.2	0-0		LM	N	M	4	1	4
Lupinus albus graecus		Annual	1.0	0-0		LMH	N	DM	4	0	3
Lupinus angustifolius	Blue Lupin, Narrowleaf lupine	Annual	1.0	7-9		LM	N	M	4	0	4
Lupinus hirsutus		Annual	0.0	0-0		LMH	N	M	2	0	3
Lupinus littoralis	Seashore Lupine	Perennial	0.5	6-9		LMH	N	M	2	0	3
Lupinus luteus	Yellow Lupin, European yellow lupine	Annual	0.6	5-9		LM	N	M	3	0	3
Lupinus mutabilis	Pearl Lupin, Tarwi	Annual	1.5	8-11		LMH	N	M	5	0	4
Lupinus nootkatensis	Blue Lupine, Nootka lupine	Perennial	0.7	4-8		LMH	N	M	3	0	3
Lupinus perennis	Sundial Lupine	Perennial	0.6	4-8		LM	N	DM	3	1	3
Lupinus polyphyllus	Big-Leaf Lupin, Lupine	Perennial	1.5	5-9	M	LMH	N	M	1	1	4
Lupinus tauris		Shrub	0.0	0-0		LM	N	DM	0	0	3
Lupinus termis	White Lupin	Annual	1.0	0-0		LMH	N	M	2	0	3

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.

Lupinus arboreus - Sims.