Biology and management of wild lupine (Lupinus perennis L.): a case study for conserving rare plants in edge habitat

Abstract

Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) is a perennial plant originally found primarily throughout the United States and Canada in oak savannas, which are considered an ecotone between prairie and forest. Because of primary habitat loss, this early successional plant is declining and now persists in managed edge habitats such as power line rights-of-way and roadsides across much of its range. Many edge populations of wild lupine are small and isolated, which can hinder the reproduction of this pollinator-dependent plant. Here, we synthesize current literature about the biology and management of wild lupine and associated plants and insects. We also highlight current gaps of knowledge to guide future research on wild lupine and, more generally, on savanna-like habitats. The information provided here on lupine serves as a case study for how edge habitat conserves rare plant species reliant on disturbance. Overall, habitat characteristics that seem best for wild lupine include a gradient of canopy cover from moderate to open, well-drained soils, and a low abundance of understory woody plants. Land management, including prescribed burning, mowing, and mechanical thinning, can promote the conservation of wild lupine and other forest edge plants. However, additional research in regards to ideal management regimes and intensity is needed to further plant conservation in forest edge habitat.