Carolina lupine
Thermopsis villosa
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- White , yellow
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Carolina lupine (Thermopsis villosa) is a perennial for borders, cut flower gardens, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Dense spikes of deep yellow flowers rise up to 5 feet tall in late spring and early summer. Hairy pods follow the blooms, and butterflies and bees visit the flowers.
Pairs well with Beardtongue, Bride's feathers, and Noble goldenrod.
Native range
AL, CT, GA, MA, and 10 more places. See all 14
AL, CT, GA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, and WV.