Commonly found in upland woods, thickets, and prairies, along streams, railroads, and roadsides. Tiny creamy white, pea-like flowers with a magenta spot at the base open in dense, rounded clusters in mid to late summer.
Host plant to a number of butterflies and moths, including cloudywings, skippers, and hoary edge butterflies. Plants are high in protein making it great forage for deer, rabbits, and in pastures for livestock. Seeds are eaten by gamebirds and songbirds, including the Mourning Dove, Bobwhite, Turkey, and Junco.