Amorpha canescens

Also Known As

Leadplant

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 12"-48"
W: 24"-30"

planting zones

2a-9b

More Options

Amorpha canescens plant details

Amorpha canescens is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with blue and green foliage. In fall and summer purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean, rich, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Amorpha canescens

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 24 IN - 30 IN - wide, 12 IN - 48 IN - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, native plant, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Amorpha canescens

USDA Zones: 2a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean, rich, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) exhibits a unique display of both foliage and flowers. Spikes of iridescent purple flowers appear atop the delicate silver-gray foliage in the heat of mid-summer. Extremely long-lived, this is one of the few true shrubs of the prairie. Leadplant's deep taproot makes it extremely drought tolerant. Thrives in any well-drained soil. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8.

By: Prairie Nursery

A 2-4', attractively downy shrub with finely compound leaves and spikes of blue flowers with yellow stamens during late summer. Sun/Med-Dry/GdDrain

By: Forestfarm

Usually densely white-hairy leaflets; terminal flower spikes to 6" long. A small shrub belonging to the Bean Family! The foliage is fine & fernlike, turning beautiful yellow in fall. More drought tolerant than most shrubs. Prune hard in early spring.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Garden photo gallery of Amorpha canescens

Photo of Amorpha canescens flower by Prairie Nursery

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By: Prairie Nursery

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Photo of Amorpha canescens flower by Denis.prévôt