Tree Lupine (Lupinus arboreus)

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Public domain, Wikimedia Commons

What’s that soft yellow bush in the distance? It just might be a Tree Lupine (Lupinus arboreus). The common names are yellow bush lupine (US) or tree lupin (UK).

This perennial will grow to about 79-inches in full sun. Tree lupins typically live up to seven years and are hardy to 10˚F.

The attractive yellow flowers held on a 12-inch stem is rich in nectar and pollen. The gray-green leaves are palm-shaped and covered with fine, silky hair.

Lupins are attractive to many bees, butterflies, and moths. Tree Lupins host to ten or more butterflies and moths. Some have estimated the number to be upwards of 39 in total. Lupines do not appear to be attractive to birds.

Wolf?

The term lupine is from the Latin for “wolf,” referring to the mistaken belief that these plants deplete soil minerals. The opposite is actually true.

Many species of Lupine will collect nitrogen from the air. This ability gradually enriches surrounding soils and may displace native varieties adapted to more nitrogen-poor conditions.

Invasive Tendencies

Tree lupins are strong growers and can outcompete other grasses, forbs, and native plants. It grows in a number of different soils with good drainage including sand dunes and coastal sage scrub. At one time, this plant was used to stabilize sand dunes and other soils along the Oregon and California coast.

This species can threaten native plants through hybridization. There are approximately 220 species of lupines with many growing in the North American west.

Yellow Lupin creates a lot of seeds every year. These seeds persist in the soil for a very long time and can create a seed bank.

Unsprouted seeds collect and lay dormant in a shallow mat below the shrub. This seed bank will sprout with even minimal disturbance. Disturbances can include manmade or environmental. Even something like rodent activity or wind is enough to cause sprouting.

Lupins can be toxic depending on season, variety, and plant parts. Seeds for instance are often very toxic. A wide variety of less invasive and colorful lupines are available commercially.

REFERENCES:
–Tree Lupine, https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Humboldt_Bay/wildlife_and_habitat/YellowBushLupine.html
–Lupine, https://www.britannica.com/plant/lupine
—Lupine arboreus, https://calscape.org/Lupinus-arboreus-()

Oregon Coast Visitor Association Summit 2023

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Join The People’s Coast Summit, presented by the Oregon Coast Visitor Association, October 17-18, 2023 in Astoria, OR!

Connect with other tourism industry professionals and gain industry insight! This annual tourism industry gathering includes workshops, keynote speakers, a destination management panel, and more. The events will take place at different venues throughout downtown Astoria, for a unique campus-style experience. 

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-peoples-coast-summit-registration-593364829177

Pacific wax myrtle (Morella californica)

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Pacific wax myrtle (Morella californica)

Adaptability is a valuable skill to have in this day and age. The Pacific wax myrtle is an expert in adaptability and could teach those of us who want to improve in this area a few important tips.

This evergreen shrub is native to the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington, growing quickly up to 30 feet tall and 10-12 feet wide. Pacific wax myrtles flourishes along both streams and sand dunes in this region.

This tree is often used for habitat restoration  thanks to their ability to adapt to a variety of environments. They thrive in wet soil, but are also drought tolerant and will grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soil.

The Pacific wax myrtle also transfers nitrogen and other nutrients to plants in its vicinity.

Identification

The lance-shaped leaves of the Pacific wax myrtle are a bright, glossy green with black dots. They have a fragrant, spicy smell.

The small yellow flowers create purple berries that ripen during autumn. The berries fall to the ground in early winter, attracting birds such as flickers, finches, and robins.

Berries

The fruit carries one seed per berry. Berries are coated with white wax that can be extracted and made into scented candles and soap.

Next time you find yourself in a challenging situation, think about the Pacific wax myrtle and its unique ability to thrive in a wide range of environments.

It may provide just the inspiration you need to succeed in the task you want to accomplish.