Taxonomy

Lupinus polyphyllus | Garden Lupin

Distribution

Status

Native status

Neophyte - Introduced after 1500

First reported in the wild

1955

Invasiveness

Invasive species - risk of Medium Impact

Irish status

Uncertain

Introduction pathways - 1

Escape from Confinement

Introduction pathways subclass - 1

Ornamental purpose

Invasive score

17

Species Biology

Identification

Short-lived perennial herbaceous plant, formerly a common garden plant now found on roadsides and waste ground its hybrid L. x regalis (a hybrid with L. arboreus) is the plant most commonly found in gardens.

Pathway and vector description

Previously popular as a garden plant it has been largely replaced by L. regalis but the species are difficult to distinguish. 

Rare garden escape, or relic of cultivation. Some records may refer to hybrids (see Clement & Foster 1994 in Reynolds, 2002).

Broad environment

Terrestrial

Habitat description

Generally found on roadsides, railway banks and waste ground.

Species group

Plant

Native region

North America

Distribution

World distribution(GBIF)

Irish distribution

Uncertain

Temporal change

Date of first record category

1951-1960

Fifty year date category

1951-2000

Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024

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How can you help

Report any sightings of this species to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Further information

See: Lupinus polyphyllus distribution map (BSBI)

References

Publications

Reynolds, S.C.P, (2002) A catalogue of alien plants in Ireland. National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin.

Stace, C. (1997). New Flora of the British Isles, 2nd edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

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