Carolina bushpea
Thermopsis villosa
Last reviewed: October 2026
Carolina bushpea (Thermopsis villosa) is a perennial forb native to AL, CT, GA, KY and 12 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bumble bees.
Toxicity unknown
Carolina bushpea (Thermopsis villosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–60" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, CT, GA, KY and 12 more states
Pollinators
bumble bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
An upright perennial resembling a false lupine, with soft gray-green trifoliate leaves and tall spikes of bright yellow pea-like flowers. Forms a sturdy clump in open woodland edges.
Growing Carolina bushpea
Grow Carolina bushpea in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The showy flower spikes are a strong early-summer nectar source for bumble bees.
Common questions
- How much sun does Carolina bushpea need?
- Carolina bushpea grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Carolina bushpea bloom?
- Carolina bushpea blooms in May and June.
- Where is Carolina bushpea native?
- Carolina bushpea (Thermopsis villosa) is native to AL, CT, GA, KY and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Carolina bushpea attract?
- Carolina bushpea draws bumble bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Carolina bushpea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.