Thermopsis montana

Thermopsis montana, commonly known as mountain goldenbanner, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to the western United States, where it is found in montane and subalpine regions.

Description

Thermopsis montana is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows to a height of 30 to 90 centimeters. The plant has compound leaves with three leaflets, and it produces bright yellow flowers arranged in racemes. The fruit is a legume pod containing several seeds.

Habitat

This species is commonly found in meadows, open woodlands, and along stream banks in mountainous areas. It thrives in well-drained soils and is often seen at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters.

Ecology

Thermopsis montana plays a role in its ecosystem by providing nectar and pollen for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The plant is also a nitrogen-fixing species, which helps improve soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use.

Uses

While Thermopsis montana is not widely used in traditional medicine, some Native American tribes have used it for its purported medicinal properties. However, caution is advised as the plant contains alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Conservation

Thermopsis montana is not currently listed as a threatened or endangered species. However, its habitat can be affected by human activities such as grazing, logging, and recreational development. Conservation efforts focus on preserving its natural habitats and maintaining healthy populations.

References

• USDA Plants Database
• Flora of North America

External links

• [USDA Plants Profile for Thermopsis montana](https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=THMO)
• [Calflora Database: Thermopsis montana](https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=8085)

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