Photo of Thermopsis macrophylla flower by Stickpen

Photo by Stickpen

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Thermopsis macrophylla

Also Known As

  • California False Lupine

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'
  • W: 2'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

Thermopsis macrophylla plant details

Thermopsis macrophylla is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with blue foliage. In summer yellow flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Thermopsis macrophylla

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 2 FT tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in summer
Uses: cutting garden, native plant, rock garden, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Thermopsis macrophylla

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This native "false lupine" is a gray-leaved summer perennial to 2 feet tall. Common on serpentine rock outcroppings where soils are less than ideal. Yellow pea-like flowers are followed by velvety brown seed pods. Part to full sun with moderate to little water once established. Hardy to 0 degrees F, USDA zone 7.

Gardening facts about Thermopsis macrophylla plant

How to Grow Thermopsis macrophylla

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • lean
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Fruit

    • brown
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Thermopsis for your garden

aka Baptisia villosa, Sophora villosa, Thermopsis caroliniana, Aaron's Rod, Blue Ridge Buckbean, Carolina Bushpea, Carolina Lupine

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3b-10a

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Thermopsis villosa flower by Far Reaches Farm
View Plant

More Options

aka Thermopsis chinensis 'Sophie', Chinese Bushpea, Pea Bush

Plant Type

Perennial, Herb

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 18"-24"

Width: 18"-24"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Thermopsis chinensis 'Sophia' flower by Karl Gercens III
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More Options

aka Thermopsis montana var. montana, Mountain Goldenbanner

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture
Photo of Thermopsis montana flower by Chickadee Gardens
View Plant

More Options

+2 more Thermopsis
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