Thermopsis villosa Silver/Grey Foliage Plants Gary Hammer

Gary Hammer

Butterfly weed has no tolerance for soils that hold much moisture

The flowers are attractive to pollinators like many of the native wasps

As the upright stalk reaches its ultimate height

The plant was discovered in the 1970s by the late Thomas "Henry" Suydam (Jimmy Dorsey/Benny Goodman band member)

Thermopsis villosa Silver/Grey Foliage Plants Gary Hammer(aka: Thermopsis caroliniana) Thermopsis villosa is a North American (Maine south to Alabama) native baptisia cousin, that's lived in the shadow of its more popular relative. Thermopsis villosa jumps out of the ground in mid spring, developing 4' tall, upright, un branched spikes, each terminating in clusters of butter yellow flowers. Rich green foliage adorns this drought tolerant, easy to grow, clumping, sun loving native perennial.