The Lupinus genus encompasses hundreds of flowering plant species, characterized by their striking, tall spikes of densely packed flowers. These perennials, native to regions across the Americas and beyond, are widely appreciated by gardeners for their vibrant colors and architectural presence in a landscape. As pollinators seek out reliable sources of energy, the question of whether hummingbirds interact with this particular plant is a common curiosity. Understanding this relationship requires an examination of the plant’s offerings, the bird’s feeding behavior, and the specific environment in which they coexist.
The Direct Answer: Lupine as a Hummingbird Food Source
Hummingbirds do visit lupine, establishing it as a recognized, though often secondary, food source in many gardens and natural habitats. The tall, saturated flower spikes, which frequently display colors like violet, blue, and red, are visually striking and attract the attention of passing birds. These birds are drawn to the plant primarily for its nectar, which is produced to fuel their exceptionally high metabolic rates. Lupine is especially valuable to hummingbirds in the spring, as it is among the earlier perennials to bloom, providing a readily available caloric resource.
Lupine is routinely listed among plants recommended for a hummingbird garden, though it may not be preferred over flowers with a perfect tubular shape. In addition to nectar, hummingbirds may also visit the dense flower clusters to forage for small insects and spiders, which provide the protein necessary for their diet. The sheer abundance of flowers on a single spike makes the plant an efficient stop. The degree of attraction can vary based on the specific Lupinus species and the availability of preferred hummingbird flowers nearby.
Analyzing Floral Structure and Nectar Content
The typical morphology of a lupine flower, being a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), presents a structural challenge for a hummingbird’s bill. Lupine florets possess a zygomorphic, or bilaterally symmetrical, structure characterized by a pea-like shape with five petals, often forming a closed or semi-closed banner and keel. This shape differs significantly from the long, narrow, open-mouthed tubular flowers that have co-evolved to accommodate a hummingbird’s specialized feeding apparatus.
For many lupine species, the nectar is positioned in a way that requires a pollinator to force entry or to feed from an angle, a task better suited to larger insects like bumblebees that use a technique known as “buzz pollination.” However, the dense clustering of the flowers on an elongated stem creates a vertical feeding platform, which may compensate for the less-than-ideal individual flower shape. Furthermore, some cultivated varieties, particularly the popular Lupinus polyphyllus hybrids, present a more open floret structure than their wild counterparts, making nectar access easier for a hovering bird. Nectar concentration in lupine is sufficient to be attractive, providing the necessary sugar reward that drives the hummingbird’s foraging behavior.
Gardening Tips for Maximizing Attraction
To maximize the chance of attracting hummingbirds with lupine, gardeners should focus on creating a visible, dense food source. Lupine, especially the taller perennial species, should be planted in large drifts or clumps rather than as scattered individual plants. This mass planting strategy creates a highly visible target, as hummingbirds are exceptionally sensitive to large patches of color in the landscape. The plants thrive best in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
Consider placing lupine in an area that receives morning sun and is somewhat sheltered from strong winds, as hummingbirds prefer stable feeding conditions. To ensure the birds remain in the garden and discover the lupine, companion planting with known hummingbird magnets is highly effective. Pairing lupine with classic tubular flowers like Bee Balm (Monarda), Columbine (Aquilegia), or Salvia will attract the birds to the general area. Once hummingbirds are established in the garden, they will opportunistically explore nearby nectar sources, including the available lupine.