Carolina Bushpea, or Carolina Lupine, is a member of the legume family with spires of yellow, lupine-like flowers. This tall plant is upright and unbranched, with bright green trifolate foliage. In late spring to early summer, the deep yellow florets rise above the foliage, measuring up to 1 foot long, and eventually turn into hairy seed pods.
The plant reaches 3 to 5 feet in height with a 2 to 3 foot spread. The plant is very bushy and can be used in the landscape for its shrub form. Carolina bushpea prefers part to full sun and well drained rich moist soil, though it will tolerate dry, sand and clay soil.
Bees and butterflies use this plant for nectar and pollen and it is deer resistant.
Thermopsis villosa, Carolina Bushpea
- Deep yellow lupine flowers in summer
- Provides food for pollinators
- Can be used for its tall, shrub-like form
- Height: 3 to 5 feet
- Zones: 4 to 9