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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Thermopsis lupinoides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

T. lupinoides. Link. Podalyria lupinoides.

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

A vegetable[105, 177]. The reports give no more information.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Expectorant

Expectorant[61]. The fruit is used in the treatment of diseases of the mouth, teeth and throat[218].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position[200], though it prefers a rich light soil[1]. Judging by the plants native habitat, it is likely to be resistant to maritime exposure[K]. There is some confusion over the correct name for this species, with some authorities saying that the name we are using above is a synonym and that the correct name is T. lanceolata[200]. However, other authorities say that T. lanceolata is a distinct species found only in northern China and Russia, whilst this species (T. lupinoides) is also a distinct species found in Japan, eastern China, Korea and Russia[266]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually good and within a month[K]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Divided plants do not establish readily[1].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Kurile Islands, Primorye, Kamcatskij kraj, Sakhalin), Korea, Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Thermopsis villosa	Aaron's rod, Carolina lupine	Perennial	1.5	5-8	S	LMH	SN	DM	0	0	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Thermopsis lupinoides - (L.)Link.