Silky lupine is a native perennial named for the fine, silvery hairs that cover its palmate leaves and stems, giving the whole plant a soft, silvery sheen. Spikes of blue to purple pea-like flowers rise 20-50 cm above the foliage in early summer. Like other lupines, it fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving conditions for neighbouring plants, and it’s an important host and nectar plant for native bees and several butterfly species. Drought tolerant once established, it’s a good fit for a dry, sunny meadow planting.