Bush Pea Thermopsis lanceolata
ABOUT
Thermopsis lanceolata, commonly known as the false lupine, is a perennial plant that is noted for its attractive and vibrant appearance. The plant features a clumping habit with multiple stems that are upright and sturdy. At the top of these stems, the false lupine bears dense, elongated clusters of bright yellow flowers which resemble those of the true lupine, albeit without the same height. The pea-like flowers emerge in late spring to early summer and are a striking sight against the green backdrop of the foliage. The leaves of the false lupine are compound, consisting of three leaflets, which are narrow, lance-shaped, and have a somewhat hairy texture. These leaves are arranged alternately on the stems and have a rich green color that complements the blooms well. The plant has the capability to spread via rhizomes which can create a fuller appearance as it matures. The seeds of the false lupine are borne in pods that resemble those of other leguminous plants. Its overall appearance is such that it adds a touch of wild, natural beauty to the environment in which it grows, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to incorporate vibrant yellows and lush greenery to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Golden Banner, False Lupine, Golden Pea, Aaron's Rod, Buckbean
Common names
Anagyris sibirica, Baptisia lupinoides, Sophora lupinoides, Thermopsis fabacea, Thermopsis lupinoides, Thermopsis montana.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as false lupine is considered toxic to humans. If ingested, it contains compounds that can lead to symptoms of poisoning. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, central nervous system effects such as depression, confusion, and potentially seizures. The plant's toxicity is primarily due to the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids, which are harmful when consumed in significant quantities. Consuming parts of false lupine can have serious health consequences, and medical attention should be sought if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
False lupine is similarly toxic to pets as it is to humans. If a pet ingests any part of this plant, they could experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, there may be signs of central nervous system depression, including lethargy, weakness, and seizures. As with humans, the primary toxic agents in false lupine are quinolizidine alkaloids, which can be dangerous for animals if ingested. Prompt veterinary care should be sought if a pet has consumed parts of the false lupine plant due to the risk of severe health effects or even death.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscaping: Thermopsis lanceolata, commonly known as false lupin, adds visual appeal to gardens with its bright yellow flowers and lush foliage.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant provides shelter and food for a variety of insects and small animals.
- Pollinator Attraction: False lupin attracts bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal maintenance once established, making it a suitable choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Adaptability: Thermopsis lanceolata can adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: Thermopsis lanceolata has been used for its pain-relieving properties.
- Anti-inflammatory: It is believed to reduce inflammation in certain conditions.
- Expectorant: The plant has been used to help clear mucus from the respiratory system.
- Febrifuge: It has been employed traditionally to reduce fevers.
- Emetic: In traditional medicine, it has been used to induce vomiting.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The flowers of the false lupin can be used to produce a natural yellow dye for textiles.
- Ornamental Gardening: As an attractive plant, false lupin is often used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscaping projects.
- Biological Pest Control: False lupin can attract beneficial insects which help control garden pests naturally.
- Agricultural Green Manure: Its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil makes it useful for farmers as a green manure to improve soil fertility.
- Erosion Control: The root system of false lupin helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and embankments.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners may plant false lupin near other plants to take advantage of its nitrogen-fixing abilities.
- Tannin Source: The plant parts contain tannins that can be extracted for use in tanning leather.
- Wildlife Habitat: False lupin is recognized for providing shelter and food to wildlife, particularly for certain species of butterflies.
- Education and Research: Botanical studies often utilize false lupin to study plant behaviors and characteristics in a natural setting.
- Craft Material: The sturdy stems of false lupin can be used in creating woven crafts and rustic garden supports.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Thermopsis lanceolata, commonly known as the false lupin, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe false lupin is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Thermopsis lanceolata, commonly known as false lupine, often grows in challenging environments, symbolizing the ability to thrive in difficult conditions.
- Adaptability: As a hardy perennial, false lupine adapts well to a variety of soil types, representing flexibility and the capacity to adjust to change.
- Growth: The vigorous growth of false lupine signifies personal growth and the blossoming of ideas or projects.
- Renewal: With its perennial nature, false lupine embodies the concept of renewal and the cyclic nature of life.
- Positivity: The bright yellow flowers of false lupine bring a cheerful presence, symbolizing optimism and the spread of positive feelings.
WaterThe Golden Banner should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Depending on the climate and soil type, this typically means providing about 1 inch of water each week. In hotter, drier periods, watering frequency may need to increase to prevent stress, while in cooler, wetter weather, it may be reduced. Ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil to prevent water from pooling at the roots, which can lead to rot. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly, providing just enough water to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightThe Golden Banner thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. For optimal growth and flowering, place it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in regions with extremely hot summers, some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from intense heat stress. A spot that offers morning sunlight with dappled or partial shade in the afternoon would be ideal for the Golden Banner.
TemperatureThe Golden Banner is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, growing best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about -20°F, making it suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8. Extreme temperatures above 90°F may stress the plant, so providing some afternoon shade in very hot climates can help to maintain ideal growing conditions.
PruningPrune the Golden Banner to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged stems, and cut back the previous year's growth to promote fresh, healthy stems and abundant flowers. Pruning can be done annually, or as needed, to keep the plant looking tidy and to prevent it from becoming too leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse lupine thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. The ideal soil mix should contain equal parts of garden soil, compost, and perlite to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingFalse lupine does not typically require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2-3 years as it prefers to be undisturbed and is not fast-growing.
Humidity & MistingFalse lupine prefers average to low humidity conditions and is quite adaptable, but it is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels as long as it's not excessively high.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, occasional watering, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Thermopsis lanceolata, commonly known as false lupine, starts with seed germination, typically in spring when soil temperatures increase and moisture is available. The seedlings develop into rosettes with trifoliate leaves, which is the vegetative stage. During the second or third year, the plant reaches maturity and begins to produce upright flowering stems, bearing clusters of yellow, pea-like flowers. After pollination, usually by insects, the plant sets seed pods that ripen and eventually burst open to scatter seeds. The plant often goes dormant during winter, with above-ground growth dying back and the root system storing energy for the next growth cycle. Perennial in nature, false lupine can live for several years, repeating its growth cycle annually until it reaches the end of its lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Thermopsis lanceolata, commonly known as false lupine, is most commonly propagated through seeds. The best time for sowing seeds is either in autumn for natural cold stratification or in spring after artificial cold stratification. To facilitate germination, seeds should be chilled at temperatures just above freezing, around 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius), for several weeks before planting. Once stratified, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil at a depth of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 12 millimeters). After sowing, it’s essential to keep the soil moist until germination, which should occur in 2-3 weeks if temperatures are between 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings require good light and may be transplanted when they have developed several true leaves.
