The leaves are trifoliate with a long petiole, each leaflet hairy, 8–16 mm across, with a truncated or bilobed apex.

[3] The plant is widely grown as a protein-rich forage crop for cattle and other livestock, and is suitable to be made into hay.

[4] It is often used for roadside erosion control, as well as beautification, however it tends to eliminate all other desirable spring and early-summer species of native vegetation in the area where it is planted.

[5] Like all sprouts eaten raw, there is a risk of contamination with Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Bacillus cereus.

In sites having sufficient summer moisture, plants can continue growth and flowering; and may even behave as short-lived perennials.