Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Lupinus albifrons, commonly known as silver lupine, is native to western North America, ranging from southern Oregon through California and into Baja California, Mexico. It is a perennial shrub or subshrub recognized for its attractive silvery-gray foliage and spikes of purple to bluish flowers. Well adapted to dry, coastal, and sandy environments, silver lupine is often used in landscaping for erosion control, habitat restoration, and ornamental purposes. Like other lupines, it can improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, making it valuable in ecological restoration projects.

Risks & Threats
Although Lupinus albifrons is not known to be naturalized in Hawaii, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. Its ability to fix nitrogen, tolerate poor soils, and establish in open or disturbed habitats could allow it to spread beyond intended plantings and alter native ecosystems. In regions outside its native range, some lupine species have shown the potential to compete with native vegetation. Caution is recommended to ensure that this species will not negatively impact Hawaii, and ongoing evaluation is needed to better understand its potential risks.

High Risk Traits:

• Congeneric weeds exist (L. arboreus, L. polyphyllus)
  
• Unpalatable to animals (alkaloid toxins)
  
• Nitrogen-fixing woody plant
  
• Seeds intentionally dispersed by people (commercially available)
  
• Water-dispersed seeds
  
• Persistent seed bank (>1 year)
  
• Fire-tolerant/benefits from fire
  
• Produces viable seed

Low Risk Traits:

• Not native to tropical climates
  
• No naturalization or weediness documented
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No major pest/pathogen issues
  
• Not shade tolerant (requires full sun)
  
• Narrow soil tolerance (sandy/rocky, pH 6–8)
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• No wind, external animal, or produce-contaminant dispersal