Alternate name: Purple Crown-vetch
Family: Fabaceae, Pea view all from this family
Description Introduced. Pink-and-white pea-like flowers in head-like clusters that arise from the leaf axils on a sprawling or upward-curving stem.
Flowers: upper dilated petals (standard) pink; side petals (wings) often whitish; in clusters to 1" (2.5 cm) wide.
Leaves: 2-4" (5-10 cm) long, compound, pinnately divided into 15-25 ovate leaflets, each 1/2-3/4" (1.3-2 cm) long.
Fruit: 4-angled linear pod, 1-2" (2.5-5 cm) long.
Height: 1-2' (30-60 cm).
Warning This plant is reportedly poisonous to animals if ingested. Humans should generally avoid ingesting plants that are toxic to animals.
Flower June-August.
Habitat Waste places, roadsides, and fields.
Range Eurasia native; introduced to North America and widely naturalized; reported in every state except California, Alaska, North Dakota, and Louisiana.
Discussion This European introduction is often planted along roadsides as a stabilizing perennial. When in masses, as it often occurs, it makes a striking ground cover. In addition, it adds nitrogen to the soil, as do all members of this family. The qualities that made this plant desirable for erosion control also mean that it is aggressive, and in North America has proven to be an invasive plant. It is now naturalized in many areas, and is classified as an exotic plant pest.
