Upright (3-12 feet tall) woody perennial shrub in the pea family (Fabaceae)

Small bright yellow flowers grow along the entire stem. April to June is the peak flowering time.

Seed pods are smooth (except for hair along margins), flattened, and contain several beanlike seeds. When mature they turn gray to black.

Leaves are mostly 3-leaved with 1/2 inch long alfalfa-like leaflets.