In the north, most of the leaves sprout from the crown of the rootstock. Whereas in southern forms, the leaves extend along the stem. The leafy part consists of about 7 elongate rounded leaflets arranged in the shape of a fan. Long flower heads crown the top of the stem. Many tens of cheerful pea-like flowers circle the central stalk.
Flowers are mostly bluish with a paler zone in the throat.
They appear from mid to late summer depending upon the elevation and latitude. Each flower consists of a small lobed pocket-like calyx made up of the fused sepals. The base of the petals tucks into this pocket. There are five petals. The upper petal flares broadly and forms the standard.