PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates moderate shade but produces fewer flowers and pods
Watering
Water when top 2–3 cm of soil dries; avoid waterlogging as it may cause root rot
Temperature
Thrives in cool to temperate conditions; avoid prolonged temperatures above 30°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnately compound with 4–8 leaflet pairs; terminal tendrils for climbing support
- Flower: Small, pea-like blooms in clusters of 2–6; pale purple to pinkish-white
- Pod: Densely hairy (woolly) legume pods, 2–3 cm long, containing 3–6 seeds
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Apply a balanced, diluted fertilizer once at planting. Use only if soil is nutrient-poor
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly around base of plants to boost soil calcium levelsPruning
- Trim back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth and more flower production
- Remove spent flower clusters to prevent self-seeding if not desired
- Cut back entire plant after pod maturity for cover crop incorporation
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: May cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if ingested in significant amounts
Humans: Contains cyanogenic glycosides; large ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Cover crop for soil improvement, forage for livestock, ornamental meadow plant
