Nootka lupin introduced to Iceland in 1945

The Nootka lupin was introduced to Iceland in 1945 by forester Hákon Bjarnason to help prevent soil erosion. He brought the plant from Alaska, hoping to use its deep roots and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil to improve degraded landscapes.

Lupin's unintended spread

The Nootka lupin quickly spread beyond the areas where it was planted, aided by natural dispersal and human activity. Its deep roots and nitrogen-fixing properties made it well-suited to the Icelandic environment, especially in areas with high precipitation.

Ecological impact on mosses and lichens

A study published in Scientific Reports found that the Nootka lupin suffocates ancient mosses and lichens when it covers more than half of the surface in heaths and woodlands. These mosses and lichens, which take decades to form, are unable to compete with the fast-growing lupin.

Human activity aids lupin expansion

The study also highlighted that human activity plays a significant role in the lupin’s spread. Seeds have been transported through Reykjavík and other areas before being dispersed widely. Despite some natural controls, such as the noctuid moth Melanchra pisi, the lupin continues to expand.

Iceland faces a management dilemma

Iceland’s unique landscapes, dominated by thick mosses and lichens, are now under threat from the Nootka lupin’s dominance. Field studies show a sharp decline in plant diversity in affected areas. The plant, once seen as a solution to soil degradation, has become an invasive species that poses a new environmental challenge.