This species has been confused in literature with Thermopsis lanceolata, a species found in Siberia, Mongolia and China. We can not be certain that the uses included here refer to this species, they may instead belong to Thermopsis lanceolata. See Brummitt, R. K., et al. 'Report of the Nomenclature Committee for Vascular Plants: 60.' Taxon, vol. 58, no. 1, , pp. 280-292. JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/27756843.

Common Name:

General Information

Thermopsis lupinoides is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock; the stems have axillary spines and can be up to 100cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its attractive foliage and lupin-like spires of yellow flowers[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, northeast China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

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[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Thermopsis lupinoides is a very cold-hardy plant, able to withstand winter temperatures falling to around -25°c[].
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[].
Plants can spread fairly rapidly by means of rhizomes, and can out-compete less vigorous plants[].
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[].

Edible Uses

A vegetable[, ]. The reports give no more information.

Medicinal

The seedpods are used in the treatment of diseases of the mouth, teeth and throat[, ]. (As Thermopsis fabacea)

Agroforestry Uses:

Thermopsis species in general have potential in soil conservation and stabilization projects. They fix atmospheric nitrogen, are drought-tolerant, deep rooting, and spread by underground root systems to form broad patches[].
The flowers are a rich source of nectar[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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[].