Crown vetch (Securigera varia), a nuisance weed that has been widely planted by the UDSA and other agencies in a misguided attempt to control erosion. Unfortunately in some areas it is still used. Not something you want to bring into your garden.

It really is quite pretty, and it enriches the soil. But, alas, you really don't want it in the garden unless you want an entire garden of vetch. :)

Thanks lycopus and samhain. I'll just admire it from a distance then :-)

Amna