Thermopsis californica var. semota
Velvety false-lupine
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Thermopsis californica var. semota (Velvety false-lupine) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by (parent); geographically isolated from other varieties.
Velvety false-lupine is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern Peninsular Ranges in San Diego County, growing in meadows and pine/oak woodland at elevations of 1,000 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces yellow flowers with soft, velvety petals. Growing 30 to 50 centimeters tall with stems covered in long, wavy soft hairs that are generally appressed, it has a distinctively fuzzy appearance. Its leaves feature lanceolate to ovate stipules, with soft, wavy hairs giving the entire plant a plush, silvery-green texture. The plant's delicate yellow blooms and velvety surface make it a distinctive addition to its woodland habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species (parent); geographically isolated from other varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: Meadows, pine/oak woodland
Elevation: 1000-1500 m
California counties: San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino
Bloom period
Thermopsis californica var. semota blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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. semota native to California?
Yes. Thermopsis californica var. semota is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Thermopsis californica var. semota bloom?
Thermopsis californica var. semota blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Thermopsis californica var. semota grow?
Thermopsis californica var. semota occurs in San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, at elevations of 1000-1500 m.
What plant family does Thermopsis californica var. semota belong to?
Thermopsis californica var. semota is in the Fabaceae family, genus Thermopsis.
Is Thermopsis californica var. semota rare or endangered?
Thermopsis californica var. semota carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.