| 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 Golden Bean, Buffalo Bean, Wet Tooth, and Buffalo Flower, is a hardy perennial native to the North American plains. [1]
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.[2]
This plant is a beautiful addition to an early spring garden, but is extremely aggressive and must be contained.
Often cited in use "Whoa Baby, Buffalo Beans!"