Wild blue lupine is blooming in the Oak Openings region, and that is a sure sign that the annual celebration of Blue Week is here.
“The beautiful blue islands of blooms dotting the Oak Openings landscape are more than just pretty,” said Art Weber, nature photographer. The state-listed wildflower is a keystone species for the region. Its abundant blooms are not only a nectaring source for butterflies and other insects, it also is a host plant for the caterpillars of several rare butterflies, including the federally listed Karner blue butterfly.
Lupine is a real bonus in the area, providing food and beauty, as well as stabilizing soil in the sand barrens. “These members of the pea family actually improve soil by adding nitrogen,” he explained.
It’s one of many rare species in this part of northwest Ohio, so many that it is the main reason Lucas County has more state-listed native plant and animal species than any other county in Ohio.
The photograph above, taken by Weber, shows an impressive stand of lupine in full bloom an Oak Openings Preserve Metropark.
Learn more about Blue Week, which runs through May 19, at MetroparksToledo.com.
