Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)

Leadplant

(Amorpha canescens)

Samuel A. Schmid

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Samuel A. Schmid

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Amorpha canescens, commonly known as leadplant, is a deciduous semi-shrub native to the North American prairies, glades, and open woodlands. It is particularly adapted to the Great Plains and the Midwest. This plant typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a similar width, with a compact, bushy form. The foliage is fine-textured with compound leaves that are covered in silvery-gray hairs, giving the plant its common name. From late June to September, it produces small, showy purple flowers with bright yellow stamens, arranged in dense spikes. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators.

Leadplant is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing fertility. It is used in native plant gardens, prairie restorations, and for erosion control due to its deep root system. It is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, including its silver foliage and persistent flowering spikes. In cultivation, leadplant thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, making it low-maintenance. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it is not known for serious pest or disease issues, overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub
Height: 1-3 feet
Width: 2-2.5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Purple
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to North American prairies, glades, and open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Downy False Indigo, Downy Indigo-Bush, Leadplant Amorpha, Wild Tea, Prarie Shoestring, Buffalo Bellows, Buisson À Plomb, Faux-Indigo Blanchissant, Grå Segelbuske, 털족제비싸리

Scientific Names: , Amorpha canescens, Amorpha brachycarpa, Amorpha canescens var. glabrata, Amorpha canescens f. canescens, Amorpha canescens f. glabrata, Amorpha canescens var. typica, Amorpha canescens f. glabrescens, Amorpha canescens var. leptostachya, Amorpha roemeriana f. glabrata,

GBIF Accepted Name: Amorpha canescens Pursh