Appalachian Goldenbanner, Downy Bush-pea, Allegheny Mountain Golden Banner, Piedmont Bush Pea, Soft-haired Thermopsis - Thermopsis mollis
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Thermopsis mollis - Appalachian Goldenbanner, Downy Bush-pea, Allegheny Mountain Golden Banner, Piedmont Bush Pea, Soft-haired Thermopsis.
Relatively rare throughout its area of distribution, Thermopsis mollis is one of 10 Thermopsis species found in the United States. Only 3 Thermopsis species are found in the east - this one, Thermopsis villosa - the most widely distributed of the 3, and Thermopsis fraxinifolia - endemic to the southern Appalachians. Thermopsis mollis is a lower elevation plant than T. fraxinifolia, ranging out of the Appalachians into the Piedmont, as well as a bit further north, into Virginia and Kentucky. The most reliable methods of differentiating between the three are by observations of the leaf stipules and the bracts / pedicels of the flowers; more on that in the photos below.
Found in:
AL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, VA
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Distribution of Thermopsis mollis in the United States and Canada:
Map courtesy of The Biota of North America Program.
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| | Site: Pigeon Mountain - McCutcheon Springs Road, Walker County, GA Date: 2018-May-02 | Photographer: Gerald C. Williamson
Nikon D7000
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro | | The flowers of Thermopsis mollis are in a terminal raceme, flowering from late April through early May, sometimes as late as June. The flower 5 petals of Thermopsis species are pale to deep golden yellow. The standards (upper 2 petals) are shorter than the wings (lower, lateral 2 petals) and keel (lower center petal.) The stamens and pistil may be hidden within the keel early on, but eventually may become exserted. | | 
| | Site: Pigeon Mountain - McCutcheon Springs Road, Walker County, GA Date: 2018-May-02 | Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000 | | The pedicel in Thermopsis mollis is no longer than the bracts, frequently shorter. The pedicel of the similar (in range and appearance) Thermopsis fraxinifolia is longer than the bracts. | | Click on the photo for a larger image
| | Site: Pigeon Mountain - McCutcheon Springs Road, Walker County, GA Date: 2018-May-02 | Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000 | | Thermopsis mollis is a usually-erect plant growing up to about 2 feet tall. It generally grows at lower to moderate elevations, between 600' and 2500'; similar Thermopsis fraxinifolia is a plant of moderate to high elevations - usually around 2,000' to 6,000' | | Click on the photo for a larger image
| | Site: Pigeon Mountain - McCutcheon Springs Road, Walker County, GA Date: 2018-May-02 | Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000 | | The leaves of Thermopsis mollis are alternate on the stem and palmately trifoliolate. | | Click on the photo for a larger image
| | Site: Pigeon Mountain - McCutcheon Springs Road, Walker County, GA Date: 2018-May-02 | Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000 | | The leaf stipules of Thermopsis mollis and Thermopsis fraxinifolia do not clasp the stem; those of the other eastern species, Thermopsis villosa, are larger and clasp the stem. The leaves are alternate. | | Click on the photo for a larger image
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References used for identification and information:
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