Lead Plant
Amorpha canescens
Amorpha canescens, known as leadplant, downy indigo bush, prairie shoestring, or buffalo bellows, is a small, perennial semi-shrub in the pea family (Fabaceae), native to North America. It has very small purple flowers with yellow stamens which are grouped in racemes. Depending on location, the flowers bloom from late June through mid-September.
Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Amorpha canescens |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Height | 2-3 ft |
| Bloom time | Jun-Jul |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Moisture | Dry to mesic |
| Soil | Sand, loam |
| Wildlife value | Nitrogen fixer; roots reach 15 ft; indicator of high-quality remnant prairie |
Mentioned In
Image Credits
- Denis.prévôt (CC BY-SA 3.0)