PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates moderate shade but produces fewer blooms and less nitrogen fixation
Watering
Water deeply when top 5 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; thrives in cool to temperate growing conditions
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnately compound leaves with 8–14 pairs of oblong leaflets and terminal tendrils for climbing
- Flower: Dense racemes of 10–40 small, purple to pale violet pea-like blooms
- Stem: Slender, hairy trailing or climbing stems with fine, soft pubescence
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth and flowering
Fertilization
Minimal fertilization needed due to nitrogen-fixing root nodules. No additional nitrogen fertilizer required; phosphorus may be added to support root nodule formation
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush clean, dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base of plants to boost soil calcium levels without introducing excess nitrogenPruning
- Trim trailing stems to prevent overcrowding in garden beds or cover crop plots
- Cut back after flowering to encourage new growth or prepare for cover crop termination
- Remove yellowing foliage to maintain plant health and improve airflow
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; edible young foliage and seeds when cooked properly
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Cover crop to improve soil fertility, forage for livestock, ornamental ground cover
