PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in dry, sunny meadow conditions; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established, avoid overwatering
Temperature
Hardy to light frost (down to 5°C); prefers cool to temperate growing temperatures
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnate compound leaves with 2–4 pairs of linear, glabrous leaflets; terminal tendril for climbing support
- Flower: Small, pale pink to white pea-like blooms, 1–2 flowers per leaf axil
- Stem: Slender, angled stems with fine, sparse hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil slightly moist during active growth and flowering
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once every 2 weeks. Use diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried, rinsed eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 teaspoon per plant around the base and water in lightly to release nutrientsPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering period
- Trim back leggy or overgrown stems in mid-summer to maintain compact growth
- Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Mildly toxic; ingestion of large quantities may cause weakness, tremors, or difficulty walking
Humans: Contains neurotoxic amino acids; long-term excessive seed consumption may cause lathyrism (neurological damage)
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental wildflower for meadows and rock gardens; provides nectar for native pollinators
