Austrian Peaweed (Sphaerophysa salsula)

Austrian peaweed (also called Swainsonpea) (Sphaerophysa salsula) is a creeping perennial that reproduces vegetatively and by seed. The leaves are compound, oval and covered with hair. Flowers are 1/4 to 1 inch in length and are orange to red; plants bloom from May to July. Pods are bladder-like and translucent.

Austrian fieldpea was introduced from Asia and is a potential threat to grain and alfalfa growing areas; the seed is the same size, shape and weight as alfalfa seed, making it impossible to separate.