Canada Milkvetch

Description:

Flowers are in densely packed spike-like clusters up to 6 inches long at the end of a long stalk arising from a leaf axil. Individual flowers are about ½ inch long, a typical pea shape but elongated. The color ranges from pale yellow to greenish to creamy white. One plant has several to many spikes on many branching stems. Leaves and stem: Leaf attachment: alternate Leaf type: compound Leaves are compound in groups of 15 to 31. Leaflets are to 1¼ inches long and ½ inch wide, becoming smaller at the end of the leaf. The shape is eliptical to egg-shaped, with a rounded base and blunt point at the tip. Leaflets are slightly hairy, and toothless. Stems are ridged, slightly hairy, and turn red in strong sun. Fruit: Fruit is a smooth oval 2-chambered pod about ½ inch long, with the remains of the style forming a “tail” at the top.

Habitat:

Part shade, sun; average to moist soil, prairies, shorelines, edges of woods