Etymology: Tephrosia: Greek tephros meaning "ash-colored or hoary"
Plants: erect to drooping, perennial, 8"-28" tall forb; 1 to several, usually unbranched stems with dense, fine hairs; long roots
Leaves: pinnately-divided into an odd number (15-25) of leaflets
Flowers: pink and yellow, 5-parted, 1/2"-3/4" long; inflorescence a 1"-2" tall, stalked cluster (raceme) of stalked flowers; blooms June-July
Fruits: long, narrow, hairy pods coiling when open
Habitat: dry to moderate moisture; woods, inland sands, prairies; in sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6 Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources: Rare Species Guide; description, conservation, photos, maps, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"