The sepals are 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long and joined at the base, forming a bell-shaped tube with triangular teeth.

[10] False sarsaparilla was first formally described in 1793 by George Voorhelm Schneevoogt who gave it the name Glycine violacea in his book, Icones Plantarum Rariorum.

[11][12] In 1940, William T. Stearn transferred the species to Hardenbergia as H. violacea in the Journal of Botany, British and Foreign.

[8] It is hardy in mild and coastal areas of the United Kingdom where temperatures do not fall below −5 °C (23 °F), but it does require a sheltered, south or west facing situation.

Plants prefer full sun in well-drained soil, are moderately frost-tolerant and respond well to pruning.