PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers partial sun to full sun; tolerates light shade in warm summer climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C for cool temperate winters; avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnate compound leaves with 6–12 pairs of oval leaflets, ending in a branched tendril
- Flower: Clusters of 2–6 pale purple to pink pea-like blooms with subtle white markings
- Stem: Slender, angular green stems covered in fine, soft hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced liquid feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 teaspoon per plant around the base and water lightly to release calcium into the soilPruning
- Deadhead spent flower clusters to prevent unwanted self-seeding if desired
- Trim back dead or yellowing foliage in late autumn to maintain a tidy growth habit
- Thin overcrowded stems in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: No reported toxicity to cats per ASPCA guidelines
Humans: Ingestion of large quantities of raw seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to low-level lectin content
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Wildflower garden component; nitrogen-fixing legume that improves soil fertility for surrounding plants
