Erect to decumbent perennial. Leaflets 1.5-3.0 cm long, obovate to broadly elliptic, obscurely dentate; stipules ovate-lanceolate, free portion abruptly mucronate. Inflorescence a head, 7-22 mm wide, globose to ovoid, sessile or rarely pedunculate, usually with an involucre of stipules or reduced bracts. Calyx pubescent, lowest tooth longer than others and the calyx cup. Corolla reddish-purple to pink, rarely whitish. Vexillum 13-18 mm long. Fruit 1-seeded, opening by a lid.

Fl.Per.: July-August.

Types: Herb.Linn.930/25 (LINN); Hort. Cliff. (BM).

Distribution: Kashmir; Europe; Central and South Western Asia; Afghanistan; N.Africa, Canaries, introduced in N.America and other places.

Widely cultivated as a fodder crop; quite variable.