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Amorpha canescens

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Amorpha canescens

Common Name: Leadplant

Amorpha canescens, commonly known as Leadplant, is a deciduous shrub that typically grows in clumps at 1 to 3 feet tall. It features gray-green, pinnately compound leaves and produces dense spikes of small, purple flowers with orange stamens from June to August. Leadplant is commonly found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands, thriving in well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Historically, Indigenous peoples used Leadplant for medicinal purposes, including treating rheumatism and open wounds. In landscaping, it is valued for its drought tolerance, nitrogen-fixing ability, and attractiveness to pollinators, making it suitable for prairie restorations and native plant gardens.

Characteristics

Product Form	Plant, Seed
Type	Forb
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Soil	Clay, Loam, Sand/Gravel, Calcareous
Moisture	Dry, Mesic
Average Max Height (inches)	36
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	30
Bloom month(s)	June, July, August
Bloom Color or Type	Violet
Dominance	Medium

Range Maps

Sowing Information

For most homeowners, the recommended method is to hand-broadcast seed at a minimum rate of 16–64 PLS (Pure Live Seed) ounces per acre. To ensure even coverage, broadcast the seed in perpendicular passes across the site. Grass seed should be broadcast first and lightly raked into the soil. Afterward, apply a light mulch layer using clean, seed-free straw or, preferably, our native Little Bluestem straw, available at our retail garden centers. Once mulching is complete, broadcast native wildflower seed over the area without raking it in. A good rainfall or thorough watering will provide sufficient soil contact for successful germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.

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