I just bought a purple lupine from a farmers market and did a bit of research that different types of lupine are poisonous. How concerned do I need to be about it? I have herbs and other edible plants nearby and I'm not sure if how to care for the lupine. Please advise. Thanks.
Many kinds of garden plants contain toxins, it's a defense mechanism against herbivores - wild plants that don't at least have some bitterness or similar properties soon disappear from a habitat unless isolated in some way. Lupines sold and planted in quantity, thousands of them along local freeways. Usually shrivel up after flowering. When it deteriorates later just cut it down.
I have always had lupines in the border, and no problem. As long as you do not ingest any of the plant parts or seeds, you will be fine. If like me you grow tomatoes and herbs in the border, just make sure you clean up the lupin detritus well. Once they get mildewy (mine always did right after blooming) I cut them down and compost them.
