Lupines' Fragrance: A Natural Perfume Or Just A Myth?

Lupines, also known as lupins, are a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. They are known for their vibrant and fragrant flowers, which can be white, pink, purple, blue, or yellow. With over 199 species, lupines are native to North and South America, with smaller centres in North Africa and the Mediterranean. They are widely cultivated as a food source and as ornamental plants, but some species, such as Lupinus polyphyllus, have become invasive outside their native range.

Lupines have a fragrance, but does it smell good?

Lupines have a fragrance, but whether it smells good or not is a matter of personal preference.

Lupines, also known as lupin, are a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. They are known for their vibrant and colorful flowers, but some varieties of lupines also have a distinct fragrance. The scent of lupines can vary depending on the species and the person's individual perception of smell.

One variety, the Sky Lupine (Lupinus nanus), is described as having a "heady" fragrance that "smells purple." This variety is native to California, Nevada, and eastern Oregon, and its scent is often associated with the smell of grape Kool-Aid or artificially flavored grape bubble gum.

Other lupine species, such as the Arroyo Lupine (Lupinus succulentus) and the Riverbank Lupine (Lupinus rivularis), are also described as having a fragrant scent. These varieties produce dense spikes of fragrant pea-shaped flowers, typically in shades of purple, blue, white, or yellow.

While some people may find the scent of lupines pleasing, others may have different opinions. Scents are subjective, and what smells good to one person may not be appealing to another. Additionally, some people may be more sensitive to certain fragrances than others.

It is important to note that all parts of the lupine plant are toxic if ingested, so it is not advisable to smell the flowers too closely or handle them frequently.

What do lupines look like?

Lupines are flowering plants that belong to the pea family. They are characterised by their spike-like racemes of pea-shaped flowers, which are typically blue to violet in colour, but can also be pink, white, purple, red, yellow, or two-toned. The flowers are held on stalks about half an inch long, with the upper petal curling or folding back on the sides and being slightly smaller than the lateral wings below. The racemes may be tightly packed or loose, with the flowers spiralling or whorled around the stem.

The leaves of lupines are palmately compound, with 9 to 17 leaflets that are 2 to 5 inches long and up to 1 inch wide. The leaflets are toothless, hairless on the upper surface, and silky hairy on the underside, coming to a point at the tip and tapering at the base. They are borne on long stalks and accompanied by smooth, green stems. The fruit of the lupine is a densely hairy, cylindrical pod that is 1 to 1.5 inches long.

Lupines are often admired for their beauty and fragrance, but some species, such as the Large-leaved Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus), are considered invasive in certain regions. This particular variety, native to the Western US, has been introduced to other areas such as Minnesota, New Zealand, and Iceland, where it has escaped cultivation and formed large monocultures, outcompeting native plant species.

Where do lupines grow?

Lupines are a hardy perennial that blooms in late spring (April to June) and can be found growing in the wild and in gardens across North America, from California to Maine. They are a member of the pea family and are nitrogen fixers, meaning they can improve soil health.

Lupines are sun-loving plants that thrive in temperate, cool-season gardens and dry grassy meadows. They require a sunny position and well-drained soil, preferably on the acidic side. They are lime-haters and will not tolerate alkaline soils or wet, boggy conditions. Lupines are deep-rooted and do not spread except through reseeding.

In terms of specific locations, they can be found along Highway 61 and the Gunflint Trail in Northern Minnesota, where they are considered an invasive species. They are also commonly found in Santa Cruz County, California, particularly in the grasslands of the Glenwood Preserve in Scotts Valley and Fort Ord National Monument. Lupines can be seen stretching for miles along Highway 28 and its junction with Highway 2 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, following the Lake Superior shore to Minnesota.

Are lupines dangerous?

Lupines are dangerous to both humans and animals. They contain toxic alkaloid chemicals, primarily lupinine, which are harmful if consumed. The plant is especially poisonous to children, who should not be left to play with its seeds or pods. If ingested, symptoms of lupine poisoning in children include stomach upset, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

The plant is also toxic to dogs, who may experience loss of coordination, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, nervousness, frothing at the mouth, lethargy, twitching of the muscles, convulsions, head pressing, liver issues, and respiratory paralysis. Puppies are more susceptible to severe outcomes due to their lower body weight. While lupine is considered moderately poisonous to cats, it is not likely to cause severe reactions in small amounts. Common symptoms of lupine poisoning in cats include salivation, an upset stomach, diarrhoea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

Livestock and farm animals are also susceptible to lupine poisoning. Sheep are the most likely to have adverse outcomes, and cattle that ingest lupine during early pregnancy may give birth to calves with deformities like cleft palates and deformed spines.

In addition to its toxicity, lupine can also be invasive in natural areas, spreading rapidly through self-sowing seeds. It can outcompete native species and alter habitats, leading to a decline in native wildlife populations.

What are the benefits of lupines?

Lupins, the legume seeds of the lupine flowering plant, have been a part of the traditional Mediterranean diet for centuries, particularly in Egypt and parts of South America. They are now grown in Australia and are available in many forms, including whole-bean snacks, flour, bread, biscuits, cakes, and pasta.

Lupins are an excellent source of plant protein and fibre, containing three times more of both than quinoa and oats, respectively. They are also rich in antioxidants, potassium, iron, and other essential nutrients. As a result, they offer a range of health benefits:

• Lowering cholesterol and blood sugar: Specific ingredients in lupins may help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
• Maintaining cardiovascular health: The dietary fibre in lupins contributes to cardiovascular health and may aid in weight control.
• Supporting immune function: The zinc content in lupins promotes immune function and reproductive health.
• Promoting bone health: Lupins are a good source of magnesium, which helps maintain healthy bone density.
• Regulating blood glucose and insulin levels: The novel protein gamma conglutin in lupins may help regulate blood glucose and insulin levels.
• Reducing disease risk: Replacing a few meat-based meals each week with lupins can reduce the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bowel cancer, and inflammation.
• Aiding weight management: The high protein and fibre content of lupins can help with weight management.

However, it is important to note that lupins should be avoided by individuals with peanut allergies, as they contain similar proteins. Additionally, they should be consumed in safe amounts, as products with toxic levels of alkaloids can cause adverse effects, including breathing problems and, in some cases, death.

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