Golden-pea (Thermopsis montana var. ovata)

Silver Star Mountain, Columbia Gorge, WA, 6/2014.

This attractive plant is sometimes called “false lupine” due to its resemblance to another pea family member and other times, “mountain goldenbanner.” Close inspection reveals that the Golden-peas leaflets come in threes compared to the 5 of true lupines.   Some sources call it inedible, while others claim it may be poisonous.  Either way, don’t eat it.

Silver Star Mountain, Columbia Gorge, WA, 6/2014.