A relatively new genus to us, the false-lupins that we grow are perennials, often with leaves split to 3 leaflets. Some with hairy undersides to the leaves, giving them a silvery effect. The typically yellow pea-like flowers on darker stems, in late spring. Similar to Lupinus and Baptisia in effect. The Greek thermos, means 'lupine', resembling lupins.
As with most pea flowers, those of Thermopsis are much used by visiting bumblebees, large hoverflies and other insects..