In Iceland, the Alaska lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis), a flowering plant originally from North America, has developed an unusually high level of genetic diversity despite being introduced to the country. This is surprising because when a species is brought to a new area, especially an island, its genetic diversity typically decreases over time. However, scientists from the University of Szczecin in Poland, who published their findings in Scientific Reports in May 2026, discovered that the Alaska lupine has maintained a wide range of genetic traits. This is due to repeated human plantings that mixed different genetic lineages of the plant, preventing the usual loss of genetic diversity. The plant, originally brought to Iceland as an ornamental species, was later used to prevent soil erosion, and its widespread presence has made it a significant ecological concern. To understand the genetic makeup of the lupine population, the researchers collected leaf samples from 33 locations across Iceland. They analyzed DNA using ISSR markers, which are genetic tools that help identify variations in the genome. Their study revealed that 257 distinct genetic markers were present in the samples, showing a high level of genetic diversity. This is unusual for an introduced species, as the founder effect—a phenomenon where a small number of individuals establish a new population, leading to reduced genetic diversity—typically applies in such cases. However, the repeated introduction of seeds from various origins has prevented this from happening with the Alaska lupine. The seeds of the lupine were primarily introduced through Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, which is also the most populated region. The southwest of the country, in particular, showed the highest genetic complexity. From there, the seeds spread across the island via roads and other human activities. This movement has disrupted the natural patterns of genetic distribution, as the distance between two populations explains only about 6% of the genetic variation. In other words, two plants that are far apart can sometimes be genetically similar, while nearby plants may differ significantly. The Alaska lupine was first brought to Iceland in 1885 as an ornamental plant. Later, in 1945, it was reintroduced by the Icelandic Forest Service and the Soil Conservation Service to help stabilize eroded land. By 1986, seed production plots were established, and a national planting campaign followed in the 1990s. These efforts continued until 2018, resulting in a widespread population of the plant. Its ability to produce over 2,000 seeds per plant each season, combined with its ability to disperse through water, wind, and birds, has made it difficult to control. The genetic diversity may also make biological control methods less effective, as some individuals may be resistant to such efforts. The Polish research team suggests a new approach to managing the Alaska lupine. They recommend avoiding the movement of soil and plant material between regions, such as from the south to the western fjords, to prevent further mixing of genetic traits. Instead, they emphasize the importance of protecting intact moss-covered heaths, which are less affected by the plant. They also suggest that areas already altered by the lupine, such as old reclamation sites, may not require further intervention. This strategy aims to balance ecological preservation with the challenges posed by the plant's persistence in the Icelandic landscape.