PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open field or garden border conditions with unobstructed sunlight
Watering
Water regularly during prolonged dry spells; avoid waterlogging as roots are sensitive to anaerobic conditions
Temperature
Tolerates cool temperate climates with light spring frost; avoids extreme heat above 32°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnately compound with 4–8 pairs of oblong leaflets; terminates in a coiled tendril for climbing support
- Flower: Small, pale purple to pink pea-like flowers in short axillary racemes
- Stem: Slender, angular stems with sparse fine hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active vegetative and flowering growth
Fertilization
Light topdressing with compost once at planting. Benefits from nitrogen fixation via root nodules, reducing fertilizer requirements
Crushed eggshell topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly around plant bases to boost soil calcium and deter slug damagePruning
- Trim back spent foliage after seed harvest to prevent unwanted self-seeding
- Remove yellowing or diseased leaves to improve airflow and reduce fungal risk
- Thin overcrowded seedlings in early spring to reduce competition for nutrients
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Mildly toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting and diarrhea
Humans: Mild toxicity from lectins in raw seeds; large ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Cover crop for soil nitrogen fixation; forage for livestock; wildflower garden component
