Thermopsis Species, Aaron's Rod, Blue Ridge Buckbean, Bush Pea, Carolina Lupine

Thermopsisvillosa

Family
Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Thermopsis (ther-MOP-sis)
Species
villosa (vil-OH-suh)
Synonym
Baptisia villosa
Sophora villosa
Thermopsis caroliniana
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Herbaceous
Height
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
Bloom Color
Bright Yellow
Cream/Tan
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Lula, Georgia

Rincon, Georgia

Bar Mills, Maine

Buckfield, Maine

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Pownal, Maine

Bridgewater, Massachusetts

Southborough, Massachusetts

Munsonville, New Hampshire

Winchester, New Hampshire

Frenchtown, New Jersey

Pennsauken, New Jersey

Farmington, New York

Charlotte, North Carolina

Graham, North Carolina

High Point, North Carolina

Glenside, Pennsylvania

Norristown, Pennsylvania

West Grove, Pennsylvania

Carolina, Rhode Island

Summerville, South Carolina

Hood, Virginia

show all

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

4
positives
2
neutrals
0
negative
Sort By:
Sort By:
I
Alexandria, VA | May 2018 | neutral

I planted this last year in a sunny spot in my pollinator garden. It appears to be thriving - beautiful thick green foliage - but has yet...Read More

S
Graham, NC (Zone 7b) | April 2015 | positive

Thermopsis is perfect for any cottage garden with its beautiful yellow blooms, and the plant itself is attractive throughout the growing ...Read More

G
Bridgewater, MA (Zone 6b) | June 2012 | positive

Yes, it is easy to grow, and it prospers in dry soil. Very attractive yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies.

G
West Grove, PA | December 2011 | positive

This plant is gorgeous, and very easy to grow. I manage a large conservation areas with broad meadows and this species stands out beautifully!

M
Cape Elizabeth, ME | April 2011 | positive

I'm growing Carolina Lupine in part-sun on a hillside with sea oats on the coast of Maine, looks lovely. I'll be trying to grow more fro...Read More

T
T
Murfreesboro, TN (Zone 7a) | August 2001 | neutral

Carolina Bushpea is a Southest U.S. native, found growing wild in forest clearings. It will grow well in most areas, although it is a sl...Read More

Featured
Monarch
(Danaus plexippus)
Black-footed Albatross
(Phoebastria nigripes)
Featured
Monarch
(Danaus plexippus)
Black-footed Albatross
(Phoebastria nigripes)