How to identify Desert false indigo (Amorpha fruticosa)

How to identify Desert false indigo (Amorpha fruticosa)

Desert false indigo, also known as Indigo bush, Dullleaf indigo, Desert indigo bush, Lead plant

Desert false indigo exhibits a bushy growth habit, typically reaching heights of 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters) and widths of 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 meters). This shrub is characterized by its compound leaves, with multiple small leaflets along a central axis, and distinctive purple to dark blue flowers, each showcasing a singular, vivid petal, set above feathery green foliage. The blossoms are arranged in elongated clusters, known as racemes, which create a striking contrast against the shrub's backdrop during the blooming season in late spring to early summer.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Desert false indigo

Unique single-petal flowers in deep purple or blue hues, forming elongated racemes.

Dull gray-green leaves with 13-33 spiny-tipped elliptic leaflets, turning yellow in fall.

Woody lower stems and green upper stems, multi-stemmed and reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm).

Kidney-shaped fruit pods with warty texture, green to brownish-purple, containing one or two seeds.

Smooth trunk with scattered lenticels, gray to brown bark varying with age and environment.

Detailed Traits of Desert false indigo

Leaf Features

The leaves of desert false indigo are dull gray-green and contain 13 to 33 spiny-tipped leaflets, with toothless margins. The leaflets are elliptic to oval, measuring approximately 1.2 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm) in length. They feature a distinctive notch at the tip and turn a modest yellow in the fall. The underside has a velvety texture, adding a unique tactile element. These key characteristics aid in the identification of desert false indigo.

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Flower Features

The flowers of desert false indigo are unique in their structure, with each having a single petal. They form narrow racemes, measuring between 8 to 20 inches (20 to 50 cm) in length. The dense clusters display deep purple or blue flowers accentuated by striking golden stamens. These blooms appear in summer, with a blooming period lasting 2 to 3 weeks, typically between April and June. The vibrant colors and distinct structure make the flowers of desert false indigo particularly notable.

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Stem Features

The stem of desert false indigo is multi-stemmed, with lower stems that are woody and upper stems that are dull green in color. The stems are erect and can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height. Lower stems exhibit a rough, woody texture, while the upper stems are smoother, thinner, and more flexible. Branching typically occurs closer to the base, with the woody stems providing a sturdy foundation. These distinguishing features aid in the identification of the plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of desert false indigo consists of small seed pods that are distinctive in their kidney-shaped and slightly warty texture. These pods typically have a hardened exterior and may possess a green to brownish-purple coloration as they mature. Each pod measures approximately 0.2 to 0.4 inches (5 to 10 mm) in length, showcasing a compact and somewhat asymmetrical profile. Upon reaching maturity, these fruits may contain one or two seeds, firmly enclosed within the durable exterior, which aids in the protective dispersal of the seeds.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Desert false indigo and Their Similar Plants

Leadplant vs. Desert false indigo: What's The Difference?

Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) is a perennial woody shrub that attracts bees and butterflies and will grow from 2 to 3 feet tall. It blooms in summer with iridescent purple flowers that grow along a spiked flower stem. Delicate foliage is silver gray making an interesting backdrop to the blossoms. Thrives in full sun or partial shade in sandy or loamy soil.

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Key Facts About Desert false indigo

Attributes of Desert false indigo

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1.8 m to 3 m

Spread

1.8 m to 4.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

8 cm to 15 cm

Flower Color

Purple

Yellow

Fruit Color

Brown

Copper

Stem Color

Green

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Scientific Classification of Desert false indigo

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Legumes, milkworts and allies

Family

Legume

Genus

False indigos

Species

Desert false indigo (Amorpha fruticosa)

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Distribution Map of Desert false indigo

Amorpha fruticosa, commonly known as 'false indigo,' is a plant species with a widespread presence. Native to North America, particularly the United States, desert false indigo has been introduced across significant parts of Europe and Asia, where it is cultivated for various purposes. Additionally, desert false indigo has established itself in parts of Oceania. While desert false indigo is appreciated for its ornamental value in cultivated landscapes, in certain areas of Europe, it is sometimes thought to exhibit invasive tendencies, potentially leading to ecosystem disruptions. This cultivation and naturalization showcase desert false indigo's broad adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Desert false indigo How to Grow and Care for Desert false indigo