Thermopsis villosa

(Walter) Fernald & B. G. Schub.

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Summary

Thermopsis villosa, commonly referred to as Carolina (false) lupine, Carolina bush pea, Southern lupine, Aaron's rod, and Blue Ridge golden banner, is an herbaceous plant in the legume family. Its native range is in North America, in the southern Appalachian Mountains. It is found elsewhere as an escape from cultivation.

Description

Perennial reaching 1.5m tall and 0.7m wide, growing slowly. Hardy to UK zone 6. Nitrogen-fixing plant noted for attracting wildlife. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage, mildly acid to very acid pH. Grows in semi-shade or full sun, tolerating both dry and moist soil.

Edible Uses

None known.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 4-8.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Propagation

Sow seed with a scarified seed coat and germinate at room temperature or with bottom heat. Mature plants may also be divided in autumn.

Other Uses

Nitrogen fixer. Beneficial for insects and other arthropods, providing shelter for invertebrates.

Synonyms

Baptisia villosa (Walter) Nutt.Baptisia villosa (Walter) ElliottPodalyria villosa (Walter) Michx.Sophora villosa WalterThermopsis caroliniana M. A. Curtis