Description
Amorpha canescens, commonly known as Leadplant, is a native perennial, deciduous shrub in the legume family.
Wildlife notes
The flowers attract long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, and wasps primarily. Caterpillars eat the foliage occasionally. Other insects that feed on the foliage, flowers, seeds, and other parts of Leadplant include grasshoppers, broad-headed bugs, plant bugs, leaf beetles, and the larvae of some moths. Many of these insects, especially grasshoppers, are an important source of food to insectivorous birds and other animals. Mammalian herbivores, such as deer, rabbits, and livestock, are very fond of this plant. This can make Leadplant difficult to establish in areas where these animals are abundant.
Forage notes
Fixes nitrogen in the soil. High in protein and quite palatable to livestock.
Landscaping notes
Grow in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Does well in poor, sandy, somewhat dry soils. May spread by self-seeding. Plant may die back to the ground in harsh winters. Attractive bloom but otherwise with no particularly outstanding landscape features. Good plant for naturalizing in a native or wildflower garden, prairie or meadow.
Restoration notes
Occurs in prairies, glades, and savannas. This is a true prairie plant. Its deep roots enable it to survive the occasional fires that keep native prairies from turning into forests. Seen as an indicator of high-quality prairie.
This species is commonly used in the following mixes: Prairie Patchwork Mix
Videos About This Plant
To learn more about this plant, check out our videos about it and its uses.