Golden Bean
Thermopsis rhombifolia
One of the first wildflowers to bloom on the Alberta prairie — sometimes in April. Historically called 'Buffalo Bean' as its emergence indicated when buffalo were calving. Bright yellow pea-flowers attract early bumblebee queens. A nitrogen-fixing legume that spreads via underground rhizomes. Seeds contain quinolizidine alkaloids — toxic to humans and livestock.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Southern AB Prairie, Zone 2
Light
Full sun, dry
Bloom Time
April–June
Soil
Lean, well-drained, sandy or gravelly prairie soil
Water
Low — drought-tolerant
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Seed requires scarification (nick the hard coat) AND cold moist stratification for 60+ days. Also spreads by rhizomes — divisions of young growth in spring can work but the taproot makes mature plants hard to move.
Always verify plant identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. This information is for educational purposes only.
