Amorpha canescens

Lead Plant

Shrub-like with gray-blue foliage and purple pea-like flowers. Can be found in fine dry prairie remanants. Attracts butterflies. Nitrogen-fixing legume. The common name refers to a once-held belief that the plant was an indicator of the presence of lead.

  • Height: 24" – 36"
  • Width: 18" – 24"
  • Soil Conditions: Dry
  • Flower Color: Blue
  • Bloom Time: June, July
  • Hardiness Zone: 4 To 9
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  • Plant Characteristics

  • Attributes

    • Fall Color
    • Salt Tolerant
  • Attracts Wildlife

    • Attracts Wildlife
    • Attracts Butterflies
    • Attracts Pollinators
  • Plant Habit

    • Upright
  • Light Conditions

    • Sun
  • Native Plant Community

    • Dry Prairie
    • Mesic Prairie
  • Flower Color

    • Blue
  • Flower Hue

    • Light
  • Flower Type

    • Spike
  • Flower Height

    • 6" to 8"
  • Foliage Color

    • Green
  • Leaf Texture

    • Fine
  • Flower Form

    • Single
  • Flower Size

    • 1/4" or Less
  • Soil Moisture

    • Dry
  • Prune Time

    • Jan/Feb/March
  • Growth Rate

    • Slow
  • Origin

    • 90 Miles From Mg
  • Divide

    • Every Five Years or Longer