Thermopsis caroliniana - CAROLINA LUPINE

Well-known native perennial with plenty of common names (Aaron's Rod, False Lupine, Bush Pea…) and another scientific name – Thermopsis villosa. Similar to Baptisia sphaerocarpa or Baptisia tinctoria. This is a beautiful wildflower that should be used in our yards much, much more often. Growing in showy upright clumps with decorative bright green leaves, it has spikes of butter yellow pea-like (3/4’’) flowers in early summer.

Carolina Lupine takes it time to establish after planting, but after the tap root fully develops, it becomes a long-living perennial. It is difficult to successfully move, so choose the spot for planting wisely. Cutting back the stems after flowering supports more dense growth. In spots with poor air circulation it may suffer from some fungal diseases, but otherwise it's a pest free plant. Try combining it with Aster, Echinacea, Oenothera, Penstemon, Rudbeckia, prairie grasses or non-native perennials like Hemerocallis, Iris x germanica, Perovskia, Salvia nemorosa and others.

Picture copyright: Bob Gutowski, Commons Wikipedia

Blooming Time: May-June
Size: 4’ high x 3’ wide
USDA Zones: 4 to 9
Culture: Sun to half shade, best in rich and drained soils (adaptable to sandy, loam-clay soils). Quite tolerant to heat and humidity.
Moisture Needs: dry, medium-dry, medium
Origin: native wildflower to the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina, introduced to other states (from Maine to Georgia and west to Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama). Naturally occurs in in open meadows, disturbed areas, woodland clearings, prairies or road sides.
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes/yes
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: very good pollinator plant – provides pollen and nectar to bees and butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds: no
Pot Size: 3.5" x 4" perennial pot (1.22 pt/580 ml)