Lupinus argenteus Pursh
Annotated by Ian Troester-Solbrig, 2013. Sources: FPNW.

Idaho: Bannock County: Near East Fork Mink Creek Northwest of Scout Mountain. Elev. 5900 ft.
42° 42.49' N, 112° 21.724' W
Uncertainty: 10 meters. Coordinate Source: GPS.
Semi-wooded slope with snowberry, hooker's balsamroot, and aspens. Lupines have caused acute poisoning and chronic birth defects (of children whose mothers consumed lupines) in multiple livestock species and in humans. Some varieties of lupines are used in place of peas after boiling in multiple changes of water to remove toxins, but the use of lupines for food is very uncommon in North America. Lupines contain highly anticholinergic alkaloids that can poison humans. An anticholinergic is a substance that inhibits the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is primarily responsible for parasympathetic nervous actions like constricting the pupils, regulating the involuntary muscle contractions of the digestive system, urinary tract, heart, and lungs, and opposing the actions of adrenaline, among many other functions. Symptoms of anticholinergic poisoning (i.e. from Lupines) include dry mucus membranes, inability to sweat, fever, loss of coordination, pupil dilation, increased heart rate, urinary retention, constipation, agitation, and confusion. Phenology: Flowers & Fruits.

Ian Troester-Solbrig 10, Jun 30, 2013
IDS, Barcode: IDS0067643