HOW-TO

Plant primer: False lupine

Staff Writer

The Columbus Dispatch

Height: 14 to 18 inches

Spread: 18 inches

Hardiness: Zone 5

Origin: China

False lupine (Thermopsis chinensis ‘Sophia’) is a member of the Fabaceae family, which includes peas and beans. It exhibits some family traits, including flower shape and the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.

False lupine has spikes of bright yellow flowers followed by flat green seedpods. The plant grows in a mound with medium gray-green leaves.

It’s one of the earliest perennials to bloom each spring, flowering at the same time as some daffodils and early tulips.

Butterflies enjoy the nectar of the lupine. The plant grows easily in average garden soil and is drought-tolerant.

False lupine can be seen in the cutting garden and in the Chinese International Cuisine Garden at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

— Barbara Arnold, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens