This aggressive member of the pea family sports violet-purple, yellow centered, pea-like flowers in 1 inch (2.5 cm) long clusters in the leaf axils (blooming from bottom to top) on a hairy stem. The leaves are sometimes lobed and are compound, pinnately divided into three ovate or rounded leaflets 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) long. Vines can reach lengths of 60 feet (18 m) and often forms a blanket of foliage over trees, utility poles, or other stationary objects.