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Leadplant

How to identify Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)

Leadplant, also known as Prairie Shoestring, Lead Plant

Leadplant is recognized by its dense foliage of silvery-gray leaves, which appear to be frosted due to a coating of short hairs. This plant shows a preference for sunny environments, often stretching towards the light in shadier spots. Its growth habit is hardy, thriving in sandy or rocky soils with good drainage. During its bloom period, leadplant exhibits eye-catching purple flowers arranged in prominent terminal spikes, which present a striking contrast to its grayish foliage. The flowers and distinctive leaf coloration are key identifiers for this species.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Leadplant

1

Silvery-gray foliage with frosted appearance due to short hairs.

2

Purple flowers on terminal spikes, contrasting with gray leaves.

3

Small kidney-shaped legume pods, dark brown to black when ripe.

4

Compound pinnate leaves with 14-45 small leaflets, fuzzy texture.

5

Dense floral spikes, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) in length, purple-blue color.

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Detailed Traits of Leadplant

Leaf Features

The leaves of leadplant are alternate and compound pinnate, featuring 14 to 45 small leaflets. Each leaflet measures approximately 0.3 to 1 inch (0.7 to 2.5 cm) in length. They exhibit a dense and grayish pubescence, creating a soft, almost fuzzy texture. The overall color tends to be a muted green with a noticeable grayish tint. These leaves are not only notable for their compound structure but also for the fine, velvety appearance provided by the abundant hair-like structures.

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Flower Features

The flowers of leadplant are small and densely packed along spikes measuring 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) at the ends of major branches. They display a striking purple-blue color, contrasted with yellow-gold anthers that contain the pollen. Blooming from May to June, each flower on the spike contributes to a vibrant, eye-catching display. The floral arrangement and coloration make them distinguishable and attractive, particularly during their blooming period.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of leadplant is a small, kidney-shaped, single-seeded legume pod typically measuring less than 0.25 inches (6 mm) in length. Upon maturity, it transforms from green to a dark brown or almost black color. The pods are somewhat leathery in texture with fine short hairs and they possess a distinct and characteristic glandular dotting. These fruits do not appear copiously, but when present, they provide a unique identifying feature against the plant's grey-green foliage.

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Key Facts About Leadplant

Attributes of Leadplant
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
91 cm to 1.8 m
Spread
1.2 m to 1.5 m
Leaf Color
Gray
Green
Silver
Stem Color
Gray
Silver
White
Purple
Blue
Orange
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Leadplant

Family
Legume
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Species
Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)
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Distribution Map of Leadplant

Leadplant is native to North America, where it thrives in grassland regions. It has been introduced and naturalized in parts of Europe and Asia. Aside from its native habitat, leadplant is also cultivated in various locations, indicating its adaptability to different environments.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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