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white lupine

plant
Also known as: Lupinus alba, wolf bean

Quick Summary

White lupine (Lupinus albus) is a Eurasian plant with white flowers that is widely cultivated. It belongs to the genus Lupinus, which comprises about 200 species in the pea family (Fabaceae). The name "lupine" comes from the Latin word for "wolf," stemming from an old misconception that these plants depleted soil minerals. In reality, lupines enhance soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, making it available for other plants.12

White lupine is used for forage and as a cover crop to improve soil nitrogen content. Many lupine species are grown for their attractive flower spikes, and some are valuable as forage and cover crops.12

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