Drought tolerant, bushy leguminous native perennial with violet or whitish-blue flowers, blooming May to September. Widespread in its natural range in shrublands, grasslands and woodlands at mid to high elevations; up to 12,500 ft. Prefers well-drained soils. Aggressive colonizer after disturbance. Seeds are eaten by various birds. Important pollen source for bees and other pollinators. Poisonous to livestock.