swainsonpea
(Sphaerophysa salsula)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Sphaerophysa salsula is a perennial herb that can grow to 5 ft. (1.5 m) in height.
Foliage
Leaves are compound with 15-23 leaflets. Leaflets are ovate, 0.2-0.75 in. (0.5-2 cm) long with short, white hairs on the lower surface.
Flowers
Flowering occurs from May to July, when red-orange flowers develop in the axils of the leaves, near the tip of the stem. Flowers are pea-like, stalked and 0.5 in. (12-14 mm) long.
Fruit
Fruits are ovoid, grooved on top, inflated at maturity and 0.4-1.4 in. (1.5-3.5 cm) long.
Ecological Threat
Sphaerophysa salsula is native to Asia and invades roadsides, right-of-ways, ditches, and other disturbed sites.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Rosanae |
| Order: Fabales |
| Family: Fabaceae |
| Genus: Sphaerophysa |
| Sphaerophysa salsula |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.