Thermopsis californica var. argentata
Silvery false-lupine
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Thermopsis californica var. argentata (Silvery false-lupine) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by silvery-hairy appearance and appressed hairs.
Silvery false-lupine is a California native perennial ranked 4.3 by CNPS, found in the northern California Ranges, western Transverse Ranges, and Modoc Plateau in chaparral and conifer forest at elevations of 1,200 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces yellow flowers in compact clusters covered in silvery soft hairs. Growing with erect stems 30 to 50 centimeters tall, it develops a distinctive silvery-hairy appearance across its entire structure. Its compound leaves feature lanceolate to ovate stipules with long, straight, appressed soft hairs that give the plant a distinctive silvery sheen. The plant's delicate yellow blossoms and soft, silvery foliage make it a notable member of its woodland and chaparral habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by silvery-hairy appearance and appressed hairs
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, conifer forest
Elevation: 1200-2200 m
Bloom period
Thermopsis californica var. argentata blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Lupinus: Thermopsis has all stamens free and separate; Lupinus has stamens fused into a tube.; vs Genista: Thermopsis has compound palmate leaves; Genista has simple undivided leaves or is nearly leafless.; vs Lotus: Thermopsis grows in mountains with large yellow flowers; Lotus is lowland with tiny yellow flowers.; vs Cleomella: Thermopsis has pea flowers; Cleomella has four-petaled flowers with long stamens.; vs Acmispon: Thermopsis has large yellow flowers (15-25 mm); Acmispon has tiny yellow flowers under 10 mm.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thermopsis californica var. argentata native to California?
Yes. Thermopsis californica var. argentata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Thermopsis californica var. argentata bloom?
Thermopsis californica var. argentata blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Thermopsis californica var. argentata belong to?
Thermopsis californica var. argentata is in the Fabaceae family, genus Thermopsis.
Is Thermopsis californica var. argentata rare or endangered?
Thermopsis californica var. argentata carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S4.
What habitat does Thermopsis californica var. argentata grow in?
Thermopsis californica var. argentata grows in Chaparral, conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.