Lupinus polyphyllus

Many-leaved Lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus, also known as large-leaved lupine or many-leaved lupine, is a plant species native to North America that has since spread to Europe and other regions of the world. It is grown as an ornamental plant in many gardens and parks because of its striking and colourful flowers. The plant can reach a height of up to 1.5 metres and has a striking, dense flower panicle with many individual blue or purple flowers. Lupinus polyphyllus prefers sunny to semi-shady locations and grows best in moist, nutrient-rich soil. The plant is also important as a forage plant for livestock. In some areas, however, it has spread uncontrollably and can suppress native plant species.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Lupinus polyphyllus can cause ecological damage by altering natural habitats or suppressing native plant species, which can lead to a loss of biodiversity. It can also have an impact on soil texture and composition, negatively affecting natural ecosystems.

Economical damage

Lupinus polyphyllus can spread to pastures and reduce the quality of forage for livestock. It can also cause yield losses in agricultural crops as it multiplies rapidly and competes with crops for space and nutrients.

Damage to health

Lupine seeds and leaves contain alkaloids that can cause poisoning reactions in humans and animals. Contact with the plant can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. In addition, it can cause pollen allergies in some cases.

Region of origin

North America

Introduction vectors

Agriculture

Contaminated seeds of agricultural crops

Animal feed

Unintentional admixture in bird feed

Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The legumes (Fabaceae) are one of the largest plant families with over 730 genera and about 19,400 species. Typical of this family is the legume, which opens at maturity to release the seeds. It includes annual and perennial herbaceous plants as well as shrubs, trees and lianas. Some species have the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, which makes them important plants in agriculture and soil improvement. Well-known representatives are peas, beans, lentils, soy and peanuts, but also ornamental plants such as wisteria and laburnum.

Climate change

Lupinus polyphyllus has already filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It does not benefit from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will become smaller. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, summer temperature, road infrastructure, spring precipitation and autumn precipitation.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Lupinus polyphyllus where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.