Lupine: Russell (Lupinus polyphyllus)
George Russell, a self-taught horticulturalist from Great Britain, produced this lovely hybrid in the early 1920’s after nearly two decades of cross-breeding and experimentation. On being honored by the Royal Horticultural Society for his achievement, Mr. Russell stated that all the really crucial work had been done by the humble little bees in his garden. The name Lupine comes from the Latin “lupus,” meaning wolf. This refers to the folk belief that this plant took nutrients from the soil. Ironically, this plant actually improves the soil because of its nitrogen fixing abilities.
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General Information
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Germination
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Seedlings
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Harvesting
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Seed Saving
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Companion Planting
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Uses
Also Known As: Streamside Lupine, Bigleaf Lupine, Garden Lupine, Large-leaved Lupine, Washington Lupine
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): Spring
Attracts Beneficial Insects: Yes. Lupine attracts native bees, bumble bees, and other beneficial insects with its nectar and pollen-rich flowers that bloom from mid-spring into mid-summer. It also attracts hummingbirds, contributing to the biodiversity of any site.
Height: 12-36”
Spacing: 6-12”
Sow Depth: 1/2"
USDA Zone: 3a-7b
Produces: a bushy plant with star-shaped leaflet clusters and spikes of flowers in varied shades of purple, pink, and yellow.
Toxicity: The seed of many lupine species contain bitter-tasting toxic alkaloids, though there are often sweet varieties within that species that are completely wholesome[65, 76]. Taste is a very clear indicator. These toxic alkaloids can be leeched out of the seed by soaking it overnight and discarding the soak water. It may also be necessary to change the water once during cooking. Fungal toxins also readily invade the crushed seed and can cause chronic illness
hummingbirds, contributing to the biodiversity of any site.
Ornamental: Also commonly known as garden lupine, its pleasant fragrance and tall, showy flowers make the plant a favorite ornamental for gardeners across the country. Take care to manage the lupines properly as some ornamental hybrids can become weedy and problematic.
Restoration: Plants may be used for prairie or wetland restoration as an important component of the native flora. They are deep rooted and suitable for erosion control and soil stabilization. Also, as a native legume, they can be used in revegetation of logging roads or clear cuts as nitrogen fixers (Pojar and MacKinnon, 1994).
Suggested Varieties
Cucumber: Lemon (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumber: Marketmore 76' (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumber: Mexican Sour Gherkin (Heirloom) (Melothria scabra)
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Cucumber: National Pickling (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumber: Straight Eight (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumber: Sumter (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumber: Wisconsin SMR 58 (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)
Squash, Summer: Dark Green Zucchini (Heirloom) (Cucurbita pepo)
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This is the traditional and reliable zucchini that just keeps on producing! Fruits are dark green, and nice and straight! Matures in about 60 days. Average water needs. Attractive to bees, butterflies, and/or birds.
Squash, Summer: Black Beauty Zucchini (Heirloom) (Cucurbita pepo)
The long loved American heirloom bush-type zucchini variety we all know as 'Black Beauty' was bred at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in Storrs, Connecticut sometime in the 1920's. This was accomplished by stabilizing a cross between 'Caserta' and 'Salerno' zucchini varieties. Then it was introduced into the AAS by breeder John Scarchuk and was selected as the All American Selection winner in 1957. In 45-60 days, this space saving compact plant produces shiny black-green zucchini with creamy, white flesh that are the tastiest when harvested at 6-8” long. Black Beauty can be enjoyed raw, boiled, baked, stir fried, and even sauteed!