Thermopsis rhombifolia

Thermopsis rhombifolia
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Genus:	Thermopsis
Species:	T. rhombifolia
Binomial name
Thermopsis rhombifolia (Nutt. ex Pursh) Nutt. ex Richardson

Thermopsis rhombifolia, also known as prairie thermopsis, golden bean, buffalo bean, wet tooth, and buffalo flower, is a hardy perennial native to the North American plains.

A member of the pea family, it grows in grassland, hillsides, and patchy woodland areas to a height of about 30 cm, and produces bright yellow golden flowers about a centimetre long. The flowers were commonly used by the natives as a source of yellow dye and were boiled in a tea as a cure for stomach ailments for people and horses. The plant has toxic properties if ingested; symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, dizziness, and abdominal pain.

This plant is a beautiful addition to an early spring garden, but is extremely aggressive and must be contained.

References

1. ^ Stories and Spaces - Buffalo Bean Retrieved 25 April 2006
2. ^ Case series of Thermopsis exposure Retrieved 25 April 2006