Streambank lupine (Lupinus rivularis) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 9

Special Significance of the Species

Our populations of Lupinus rivularis may well be the most genetically pure populations that remain within the entire range of the species in North America (Sholars 2001 pers. comm.), although this will require verification. Sholars has indicated (2001 pers. comm.) that US populations of this species have been highly impacted as a result of genetic swamping by Lupinus arboreus, and most plants show traits of L. arboreus. Pure populations may now be very rare. Our examination of specimens from the US would support this observation, as most plants in the collections appeared not to be rivularis, with fewer than 25% of specimens falling within our definition of Lupinus rivularis.

In contrast, our six natural populations appear mostly pure, with one or two plants exhibiting what may be traits of another native lupine (Lupinus littoralis) and only one plant exhibiting what may or may not be a Lupinus arboreus trait (one sweet smelling plant of L. rivularis was found at one site, and this may or may not indicate the presence of L. arboreus genes). These characters, however, may well fall within the normal range of the species once further taxonomic study is carried out by Sholars and others.

It is not known if this relatively pure situation will persist. In the lower Fraser Valley, planted populations of apparently hybrid plants have been recorded during this study in three locations, and one instance of what appears to be an L. arboreus x L. rivularis hybrid occurring naturally was found. On Vancouver Island, Lupinus arboreus is being actively planted along highways (Fraser 2001, pers. comm.), and we observed a thick invasion of it along the coast in the Sooke area, not far from the single Vancouver Island station of L. rivularis. In addition, seed packets for Lupinus arboreus are being actively sold in the lower mainland in outlets that include the UBC Botanical gardens.

In addition to this genetic importance, Lupinus rivularis occurs in Canada at the extreme northern limit of its range, making our populations even more distinct and important genetically and ecologically.

Little other information specific to this species has as yet been found. However, a great deal of information is available on the significant uses of other lupine species and lupines in general.

Legumes have global importance as a food source, for fodder, for fuelwood and as a nitrogen source for natural and agro-ecosystems (O’Dell and Trappe 1992). Lupines are presently being grown as crops (Aniszewski 1988, 1993), have been tested for use as insecticides (Sas-Piotrowska et al. 1997, Wyrostkiewicz et al. 1997), are grown extensively in gardens, and are used in herbal/alternative medicines. Davila-Ortiz et al. (1998) indicate that lupines are being considered as a substitute for cow’s milk and they have investigated the production of a yogurt-like product from them. In this regard, the gene pool offered by each species may become important agriculturally.

Considerable literature search was conducted for information on Aboriginal traditional uses of Lupinus rivularis. Two references were found that referred to this species as being used by the Thompson First Nations in BC (Moerman 1998, Teit and Steedman 1930). However, examination of the references, and the range and habitat described, indicate that the plant referred to was not Lupinus rivularis.

Several First Nations individuals were also contacted regarding traditional use of this species, including two who were met in person (see below). They were not able to provide to us any information. It is likely, however, that this species was uncommon to rare in BC prior to habitat loss, and may not have played a major role in Aboriginal use. There is no evidence supporting its widespread use that may be indicated by either the locations or the abundance of the populations. There is information, however, on the use of Lupinus littoralis (seashore lupine or Chinook Lupine) as a food source.

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