The bilaterally symmetrical flowers have 5 petals. The lowest 2 are joined to form the "keel", the side pair are "wings", and the upper petal is the "banner". The leaves are usually alternate and compound and have stipules. Tendrils are often present.

This is a large and agriculturally important family. Beans, peas, soybeans, lentils, peanuts, alfalfa and clover are examples. Gum arabic is obtained from the genus Acacia.

This family contains trees.
This family contains flowers.