Iceland is currently awash in the vibrant purple hues of the Nootka lupine. Introduced in 1945 to combat soil erosion, the lupine has flourished, transforming the landscape.
Hákon Bjarnason, head of the Icelandic Forest Service, brought the seeds from Alaska to address the island's deforestation. The rapid spread of the lupine has stabilized the soil, but it also poses a threat to native flora.
The tall, nitrogen-fixing lupines outcompete low-growing indigenous plants for sunlight. While some appreciate the aesthetic appeal and the initial success in soil conservation, concerns are growing about the long-term ecological impact. The early bloom this year is particularly worrying.