Thermopsis lupinoides

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

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.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Sand dunes near the sea all over Japan. Sandy beaches and the flood land of ravines or by the sea in Heilongjiang and Jilin Provinces of China.

E. Asia - Siberia to Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

A vegetable. The reports give no more information.

Medicine

Rating: 1

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

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Other

Rating:

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position, though it prefers a rich light soil. Judging by the plants native habitat, it is likely to be resistant to maritime exposure. 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. 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. 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.

Propagating it: 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. 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.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

T. lupinoides. Link. Podalyria lupinoides.