Lupine

Definition

A tall herbaceous plant of the legume family, known for its distinctive spikes of colorful flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white, and its compound leaves resembling a wolf's paw. Lupines are popular ornamental plants and wild flowers in temperate regions.

Example Usage

The meadow was ablaze with lupine flowers every summer, a favorite haunt for bees and butterflies.

Origin

From Latin 'lupinus' (of wolves), from 'lupus' (wolf); the name refers either to the plant's aggressive growth or the shape of its leaves.

Fun Fact

Lupines are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they enrich soil naturally—farmers traditionally used them as cover crops to restore depleted fields.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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