About Thermopsis lanceolata R.Br.
Thermopsis lanceolata, commonly called the tapered false lupin (or tapered false lupine), is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to Siberia (Russia), Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nepal, and the following regions of China: Hebei Sheng, Gansu Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Qinghai Sheng, and southern Nei Mongol Zizhiqu.
This herbaceous perennial grows to 1 metre (3.3 feet) tall and broad. It has grey-green leaves, and produces erect, tapering panicles of pale yellow, pea-like flowers in spring. It is closely related to the well-known garden lupins, but has a more bushy overall appearance. The plant is tough and resilient, and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, although it does not tolerate being disturbed. The Latin specific epithet lanceolata translates to 'spear-shaped', which refers to the shape of its leaves. An alkaloid found in Thermopsis lanceolata is named thermopsine, with the Chemical Abstracts Service number 486-90-8.
