# Plant/flower identification **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 22, 2013, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-flower-identification/656398 "2013-04-22T14:30:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2013, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-flower-identification/656398/1 "2013-04-22T14:30:11Z")
[This](http://www.flickr.com/photos/85253129@N00/8671278419/) picture is on a clip art CD I own, and I’m curious what this flower is (I’m wondering if it’s growable in Michigan-- it looks a bit tropical, so I’m assuming no). Anyone know? I’ve tried a number of “plant identification” websites with no luck. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2013, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-flower-identification/656398/2 "2013-04-22T14:44:17Z")
Looks like some kind of lupine foliage. You can grow them in Michigan, but lupine hybrids tend to be fussy and short-lived. You might have better luck with native wild sorts. ---
**Author:** ![BMax](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bmax/32/4267_2.png) [@BMax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMax)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2013, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-flower-identification/656398/3 "2013-04-22T14:45:43Z")
Looks like lupine plant before the flower stalk comes up. They grow wild in North America. [![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BS24sWDkNeQ/TMWqOO0LszI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/knvBcHTsuGU/s1600/lupine2.jpg) ](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BS24sWDkNeQ/TMWqOO0LszI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/knvBcHTsuGU/s1600/lupine2.jpg) > **[The Amazing Lupine Flower](http://rosesforallseasons.blogspot.com/2010/10/amazing-lupine-flower.html)** > > Lupines are symbolic of the imagination. The name "lupinus" actually means "of wolves" due to the mistaken belief that ancient peoples ha... > **[Lupinus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupin)** > > Lupinus, commonly known as lupin, lupine,\[note 1\] or regionally bluebonnet etc., is a genus of plants in the legume family Fabaceae. The genus includes over 199 species, with centers of diversity in North and South America. Smaller centers occur in North Africa and the Mediterranean. They are widely cultivated, both as a food source and as ornamental plants, but are invasive to some areas. > The species are mostly herbaceous perennial plants 0.3–1.5 metres (1–5 feet) tall, but some are annual p... ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2013, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-flower-identification/656398/4 "2013-04-22T14:54:59Z")
Thanks guys! ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2013, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-flower-identification/656398/5 "2013-04-22T18:52:37Z")
Hey - [Here’s](http://www.flickr.com/photos/11822576@N08/8673148010/in/photostream) my version of that stock photo. These are Arroyo Lupines, in my front yard.