This ornamental pea is displaying brilliant yellow flowers on the Systematic Beds.
Approximately 20 species of Thermopsis occur in grassy mountainous meadows, woodlands and streamsides of Asia and North America. All are perennials with rhizomatous roots, which produce erect stems with alternate leaves and terminal racemes of pea-like flowers. The genus takes its name from the Greek thermos (lupin) and opsis (like), and Thermopsis montana has the common name false lupin. It originates from western North America, occurring from the Rockies to New Mexico, and enjoys well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade.