Swainsonpea (Sphaerophysa salsula)



  • Swainsonpea Plant 215x150

Category A Weed

Pea family (Fabaceae)

Helpful Links

List of all Photo Credits

Stem

  • Up to 5 ft. tall and covered with short hairs

    Leaves

    • Pinnate-compound; leaflets are oval, opposite, 0.2-0.8 in. long, lack leaf stems (petioles) and covered with short hairs on lower surface

      Flower

      • Pea-like, reddish-orange and 0.5 in. long

      • Pods are oval, bladder-like, translucent and contain many seeds; seeds remain in pods during dispersal

        Root

        • Woody, creeping root system; roots associate with nitrogen-fixing bacteria

          Other

          • Often infests roadsides, fencerows and irrigation ditches; not known to occur in Nevada

          • Perennial; reproduces by seed and creeping roots

          • Potential contaminant of alfalfa seed due to similar size, shape and weight

          • Also known as Austrian peaweed

            Control

            • Hand removal of individual plants, including roots, can limit spread of small infestations

            • Apply 2,4-D to actively growing plants

              Images

              Swainsonpea Infestation 215x150
              Infestation
              Swainsonpea Plant 215x150
              Mature plant
              Swainsonpea Flower 215x150
              Flower
              Swainsonpea Leaves Stem 215x150
              Leaves along stem
                Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide
              Nevada Noxious Weed Guide