DictionarylupineFlowering plant
noun

lupine

A plant with tall spikes of pea-like flowers.

A lupine brightens the garden with tall spikes of flowers.

Etymology

The Latin plant-name is associated with lupus, wolf. It was traditionally explained through a belief that the plant consumed the soil's fertility ravenously, though that explanation is uncertain.

More examples

  • We plant lupines along the sunny edge of the yard.
  • Each lupine bears clusters of small, pea-like flowers.
  • Bees visit the lupines blooming beside the path.

Forms

lupine · lupines