PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; prefers open, sunny growing areas for optimal seed production
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil dries out; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Tolerates light frost (down to -2°C for short periods); optimal growth occurs at 15–25°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnate compound leaves with 2–6 oval leaflets and branched tendrils for climbing support
- Flower: Pale purple, pink, or white pea-like blooms in axillary clusters of 1–3 flowers
- Fruit: Flat oblong pods (3–6 cm long) containing 3–6 small brown or black seeds
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth and flowering
Fertilization
Apply balanced organic compost at planting time. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth over seed production
Composted eggshell powder：Crush fully composted eggshells into fine powder; dust lightly over soil surface to boost calcium levels and support pod formationPruning
- Remove dead or yellowing foliage to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
- Trim trailing stems to maintain compact growth and encourage upright habit
- Harvest mature pods regularly to promote continuous flowering and seed production
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: Limited ASPCA data; ingestion of seeds may cause gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea
Humans: Contains β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP); chronic high consumption causes lathyrism, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor function
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Edible seeds (processed to reduce toxin levels), forage crop for livestock, green manure to improve soil fertility
