Thermopsis (False Lupine, Aaron's Rod, Goldenbanner, Bushpea)

In the wild, thermopsis grows on montane sites and in open fields. Members of the genus thermopsis are upright perennials from 3' to 5' tall with clusters of butterfly-attracting, yellow flowers arranged along a tall spike. As a group, thermopsis species are known for being tough, heat-loving, and drought-tolerant. They prefer full sun locations and well-drained soil that is kept on the dry side. Thermopsis makes a great accent plant in the mixed border and pairs well with geranium, phlox, nepeta, narcissus and paeonia.

Like all species in the family Fabaceae, thermopsis captures nitrogen from the atmosphere, converts it into a form that is available to plants (this is called fixation) and enriches the soil around it with this free fertilizer. Thermopsis is an overlooked and underutilized genus that deserves the same attention as baptisia and lupines. When you are ready to buy thermopsis for your perennial garden, we hope you'll check out our online offering of thermopsis for sale below.