This plant is a legume and its roots have nitrogen-fixing nodules on them. It is useful on nutrient poor soils. Treat as a small shrub or use as a background plant in a wildflower garden. Can make a nice but tall border plant. Its flowers are more visible if planted against something that gives them contrast such as a dark fence. Assets  include its long racemes of white flowers and its leafy, rounded foliage.

Not typically planted, but worthy of retention for its value to insects. Retain for its value to insects in meadows and along roadsides and paths.

Sources disagree on the salt tolerance of this species. Sometimes used for erosion control. Good in casual garden settings, especially useful for butterfly gardens, because it's a larval food for so many species of butterflies. It's a legume and tolerates poor soil.