Thermopsis mollis var. fraxinifolia (Nutt. ex Torr. & A.Gray) Isely

• Authority

  Isely, Duane. 1981. Leguminosae of the United States. III. Subfamily Papilionoideae: tribes Sophoreae, Podalyrieae, Loteae. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 25 (3): 1-264.

• Family

  Fabaceae

• Scientific Name

  Thermopsis mollis var. fraxinifolia (Nutt. ex Torr. & A.Gray) Isely

• Description

  Distribution and Ecology - Range as given in key. Upland woods and slopes, ridges, roadsides. 7-5000 ft. May-July.

• Discussion

  Baptisia mollis (Michx.) Nutt. (1818) excl. basionym; B. fraxinifolia Nutt, ex T. & G. (1840; pro syn.); T. fraxinifolia Curtis (1843); T. fraxinifolia Curtis ex Gray (1848); T. mollis war fraxinifolia (Curtis) Isely (1978). Thermopsis mollis var fraxinifolia usually has a more slender, willowy appearance than var mollis. The raceme is loosely flowered and sometimes declined, and the calyx teeth are short. I have referred some ambiguous Georgia and Tennessee specimens to war fraxinifolia because they are from the mountains.