These long-lived, shrub-sized perennials are very resilient and drought-tolerant once established. They grow in almost any soil, even heavy clay. In May and June their profuse, lupine-like flower spikes are held above mounds of blue-green foliage. The flowers make elegant cutflowers and the black, pea-like seed pods that follow are used in dried arrangements. These unique plants were introduced by Dr. Jim Ault of the Chicago Botanical Garden and are especially floriferous. Mature clumps often yield 100 or more flowering stems.