Flora of North America species comparison

erect or sprawling, ribbed, branched, glabrous.

alternate, even-pinnate;

stipules present, foliose, usually larger than leaflets, without nectariferous patch;

rachis winged, usually terminating in branched tendril;

petiolate;

leaflets [2 or]4 or 6[or 8], opposite, folded in bud, stipels absent, blades usually becoming smaller from base of rachis, margins entire or dentate, surfaces glabrous.

1–3[or 4]-flowered, axillary, racemes, erect or lax;

bracts present, caducous, bracteoles absent.

papilionaceous;

calyx campanulate, base symmetric, lobes 5, equal, lanceolate, exceeding tube;

corolla white or bicolored (banner lilac, wings reddish purple), 15–30 mm;

stamens 10, diadelphous;

anthers basifixed;

ovary glabrous or pubescent;

style abaxially compressed, folded longitudinally, laterally pubescent.

legumes, sessile, terete, oblong-linear, dehiscent, non-septate, margins usually obscure, splitting, glabrous;

valves twisted after dehiscence.

3–10, globose or angular, smooth or papillose, sometimes wrinkled.

= 7.