This 2-5' tall member of the bean family should be planted in a large cluster to get any type of showy appearance in the landscape. However, I like it because it is quite drought resistant and builds nitrogen in the soil. Plus the whitish covered leaves, whitish colored stems, and whitish flowers are pretty spectacular when backlit. It is easy to grow and pretty much carefree and can take full sun and moist soil although once established it can handle dry, rocky, or even clay soils. The leaves occur in bundles of three and each leaflet is about 3" long x 1" wide. The flowers are quite small In addition, the seeds of this plant are relished by quail, songbirds, mourning doves, wild turkeys and serves as a host plant for the northern and southern cloudy wing, hoary edge, and silver spotted skipper butterflies. It is primarily pollinated by bees although butterflies will nectar on it, although they are not very effective pollinators. This plant is high in protein and thus is readily consumed by deer, rabbits, and groundhogs. This plant makes a wonderful addition to dried plant arrangements as the brown seed heads remain all winter long.
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