It is widespread in both the Eastern and Western Hemisphere, where it is found in tropical and warm-temperate regions.

[4] The generic name is derived from the Greek word τεφρος (tephros), meaning "ash-colored," referring to the greyish tint given to the leaves by their dense trichomes.

[5] Hoarypea is a common name for plants in this genus,[6] along with goat's rue and devil's shoestring.

The black seeds of Tephrosia species have historically been used by indigenous cultures as fish toxins.

Tephrosia vogelii is also one of the many beneficial nitrogen-fixing legumes that can be used in a permaculture forest gardening system as a source of living 'chop and drop' mulch.