How to identify Aaron's rod (Thermopsis villosa)
Aaron's rod exhibits striking vertical growth, reaching up to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall. Its foliage forms clumps from which emerge tall spikes adorned with bright yellow pea-like flowers. The blooms are arranged densely along the spike and create a vivid display in the spring. The compound leaves are alternate, with leaflets that are softly hairy, giving them a velvety texture. Post-blooming, if cut back, the plant has the potential to flower once more during the fall season.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Tall spikes with bright yellow pea-like flowers.
Compound leaves with velvety, hairy leaflets.
Elongated seed pods covered in dense, shaggy hairs.
Trifoliate leaves with gray-green color and large stipules.
Profuse blooming of clustered flowers in vivid hues.
The leaves of aaron's rod are gray-green and trifoliate, comprising three oval leaflets per leaf. Each leaflet measures 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in length and has a hairy lower surface. Notably, large leafy stipules are present at the base of the leaf stalk, enhancing identification. These stipules provide additional texture and size to the leaf, making the plant distinct in its appearance. The overall texture is characterized by the soft hairiness on the underside of the leaflets.
Aaron's rod produces striking yellow to cream-colored sweet-pea-like flowers that are arranged in crowded, long, and narrow erect clusters, measuring about 4 to 18 inches (10 to 45 cm) in length. The flowers, known for their vibrant hues and unique shape, bloom profusely from May to June, creating an eye-catching display. The arrangement and length of the flower clusters, along with their characteristic colors, are key identification features for novice plant enthusiasts.
The fruit of aaron's rod is characterized by elongated seed pods that are notably covered in dense, long, shaggy hairs. These prominent pods, appearing from July to September, typically exhibit a tan or brown hue when mature. In terms of size, they are slender and may grow to lengths proportionate to an average hand span. Upon drying, the pods develop a distinctive feature where they slit open, naturally releasing the seeds contained within. The contrast of the hairy texture against the smooth seeds can aid novices in identification.
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Scientific Classification of Aaron's rod
