Fabaceae, native to eastern North America.

Germination: Nick or file the seed coat to promote faster germination. Sow seeds indoors at alternating temperatures of 68 and 86 degrees and with no cover as light aids in germination. Expect germination in 15-30 days. Seeds can also be sown outdoors when the ground is cool in late fall or early spring, with germination occurring that spring.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 18 inches apart in full sun to part shade. Site in an average, well-drained garden soil. Keep the plants well-watered and stake them if necessary. Deadhead after flowering or refrain from doing so to let the seed pods form.

Appearance and Use: Add this perennial to a border, hillside, or naturalized garden. Its flowers cut well for fresh use. The habit is upright and gently spreading from 2-5 feet tall by 24 inches wide. In May and June spikes of pea-like, 1 1/4 inch, indigo-blue (sometimes flecked with white) flowers appear and are followed by black seed pods. The blue-green leaves are palmate and divided into three, 1 1/2 inch long leaflets.