This is the only food source for the caterpillar of the rare Karner Blue butterfly. Sadly, wild populations of Sundial Lupine have dwindled more than 90% in the past 15 years. This member of the pea family helps restore soil health. It does well in dry, sandy soils.

Native range: Eastern North America, from Minnesota and Iowa eastward through the Lake States and New England, south to northern Florida and eastern Texas

Size: 2 feet tall, space 1 per square foot apart

Growing conditions: Partial to full sun, average to dry soil

Bloom period: May through July

Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators; essential larval host for endangered Karner Blue butterfly, Frosted Elfin, Eastern Tailed Blue, Wild Indigo Duskywing, and Persius Duskywing butterflies; nitrogen-fixing legume that improves soil fertility; seeds eaten by birds and small mammals

Garden benefits: Deer resistant, salt tolerant, host plant for rare insects, container friendly