Appearance

Growth form

This rounded, deciduous shrub grows about 5–8 ft (1.5–2.4 m) tall.

Leaves

Each leaf has four glossy leaflets; short spines grow along the branches.

Flowers

The yellow, pea-shaped flowers appear singly and can take on reddish tones.

Flowering time

In North Carolina, it blooms in early summer.

Fruit

Brown pods about 1–1.5 in. (2.5–3.8 cm) long follow the flowers.

Look-alikes

Where it lives

Range

Native to China, it is grown in U.S. gardens.

Preferred conditions

In North Carolina gardens, it grows in full sun to partial shade and tolerates dry or poor soil.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed