Quick answer: Sundial lupine (Lupinus perennis) is native to 28 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically seeds, verified 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0 US)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry-Moist, requires good drainage |
| Soil | Dry, sandy soils, acidic to neutral pH |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-Jul |
| Height | Up to 2 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Deer browse foliage, birds/mammals eat seeds, larval host for Karner Blue and Frosted Elfin, special value to native and bumble bees |
Genus Lupinus, especially seeds, can be toxic to humans/animals if ingested in large quantities; seeds are poisonous part causing respiratory depression, slow heartbeat, sleepiness, convulsions due to alkaloids
Native in L48; listed as introduced in Canada (USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (I)). Related L. polyphyllus is the invasive lupine in the Northeast, not L. perennis.
Lookalike alert
Everywhere; consistent Russell-lupine-hybrid trap warning in every state.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 04 Nov 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Sundial lupine
Where is Sundial lupine native?
Sundial lupine (Lupinus perennis) is native to 28 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Sundial lupine bloom?
Sundial lupine blooms Apr-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Sundial lupine need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Dry-Moist, requires good drainage. Soil: Dry, sandy soils, acidic to neutral pH. Mature height: Up to 2 ft tall.
Is Sundial lupine good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Deer browse foliage, birds/mammals eat seeds, larval host for Karner Blue and Frosted Elfin, special value to native and bumble bees.
Is Sundial lupine deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Sundial lupine is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
Is Sundial lupine toxic?
Genus Lupinus, especially seeds, can be toxic to humans/animals if ingested in large quantities; seeds are poisonous part causing respiratory depression, slow heartbeat, sleepiness, convulsions due to alkaloids.
Where can I buy real Sundial lupine seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 04 Nov 2026. Be aware that some sellers offer bred varieties under this name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Sundial lupine.
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Butterflyweed Asclepias tuberosa
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- Adam's needle Yucca filamentosa
- Big bluestem Andropogon gerardii
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.