Tephrosia virginiana (goat's rue)

A conversation-starter in the garden, this unusual plant has yellow and bright pink flowers that look like nothing else. Forms long, flat seedpods in fall but it is not edible: All parts of the plant are mildly toxic. As a legume, the roots add nitrogen to the soil.

Tip: Pick your planting location carefully because this plant has a deep taproot and is difficult to move.

Photo 2: Doug McGrady / CC BY 2.0

Photo 3: sonnia hill / CC BY 2.0