There are patches here and there of this plant in "sandy ground, prairies and open barrens or clearings and savannas of oak, jack pine, and/or aspen" in Michigan according to the folks at the University of Michigan Herbarium. I was able to get some going in my yard from seed last year and it came up strong this year. Yesterday it was dead still with a bright overcast sky and I got this image.
This is Lupinus perennis - "Wild lupine," also called "Sundial lupine" in some parts of the country, from Fabaceae - the Pea family.
Thanks. That is great that you were able to attract Karner Blues.
Wild Rose? I never knew there was town named Wild Rose.
Mike
Wild Rose is a small town in central Wisconsin that is between the larger cities of Wautoma and Waupaca. Just east of us is the Karner Blue State Natural Area which is loaded with lupines and Karner Blue butterflies are seen regularly even though they are endangered. Worth a stop if in the area. Be aware that ticks are also there in significant numbers.
Wild Rose is a small town in central Wisconsin that is between the larger cities of Wautoma and Waupaca. Just east of us is the Karner Blue State Natural Area which is loaded with lupines and Karner Blue butterflies are seen regularly even though they are endangered. Worth a stop if in the area. Be aware that ticks are also there in significant numbers.
That sounds pretty similar to Michigan, ticks and all. We had planned on spending time in Wisconsin this year but decided to stay close to home. Maybe next year. There is a 4-5 acre patch of Lupine in an Oak savannah about an hour away from here. The Michigan Nature Association has a couple of preserves set aside as habitat for Karners.
What a great name for a town. I have a few wild roses going here - Rosa blanda (Dune rose) and Rosa palustris (Swamp rose.)