Common Name: Santa Inez Goldenbanner

General Information

Thermopsis macrophylla is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant producing one to a few moderately-branched, thick stems from a woody, rhizomatous rootstock; it can grow from 30 - 200cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southwest N. America - California

Habitat

Sandy, granitic soils; at an elevation from 1,000 - 1,400 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Thermopsis macrophylla is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -15°c when fully dormant. It grows best in areas with hot summers.
Requires a sunny position, succeeding in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil[].
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

None known

Medicinal

An infusion of the leaves is ued to slow down menstrual flow[].
A cold decoction of the leaves is used as a wash for tired and sore eyes, and for difficulties with vision[].

An infusion of the root and bark is ued to slow down menstrual flow[].

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[].