Lupinus nootkatensis, commonly known as Nootka lupine, is a perennial herb native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, specifically thriving in open woodlands, meadows, and coastal areas from the Aleutian Islands to British Columbia. It typically grows up to 24 inches tall and is recognized for its palmate leaves and spires of blue to violet flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators such as bees.

Nootka lupine is appreciated for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it beneficial for soil health and often used in land reclamation projects. Its tolerance of cool, wet summers has made it popular in Britain and other North-European countries. It is also used for ornamental purposes in gardens and naturalistic plantings. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from fungal diseases in overly moist conditions. It has been found to become invasive in Iceland, spreading across lowland areas.CC BY-SA 4.0