Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)

Leadplant

Also known as: Prairie Shoestring, Lead Plant

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Purple, Blue, Orange

Flower Color

Gray, Silver, White, Purple, Blue, Orange

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Leadplant

Attributes of Leadplant

Growth Rate

Experiencing moderate growth, leadplant predominantly develops in the warm climates of spring and summer. The speed of growth induces efficient leaf production and size increment. This pace allows leadplant to timely set buds, fostering a healthy bloom in subsequent seasons. Varied growth rates in other seasons might occur, with the prime activity concentrated in spring and summer. Notably, the balanced growth rate enables leadplant to form a well-structured branch architecture, contributing to its persistence in various habitats.

Distribution of Leadplant

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Well-drained prairies, rocky bluffs, open woodlands

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

The shrubby leadplant is a fantastic ornamental addition to sunny pollinator, wildflower, and meadow gardens, when grown as a border or accent plant alongside other wildflowers. The blooms, which appear in summer, are its most showy features, and they draw in butterflies and moths. Fully-grown plants are resistant to deer and rabbits.

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Quickly Identify Leadplant

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

Purple flowers on terminal spikes, contrasting with gray leaves.

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

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

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

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Care Guide for Leadplant

Every 2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Leadplant thrives in drought-prone prairie conditions, needing watering every two weeks. As an herbaceous perennial, its water needs vary with seasons, particularly during active growth in warmer months. It prefers a balance of dryness and moderate humidity for optimal health.

Fertilize: Leadplant benefits from annual fertilization in early spring using balanced nutrition fertilizers, applied as per the package directions. Over-fertilization can harm its hardiness, so adjust rates for plant size. Water thoroughly post-application to enhance nutrient absorption and prevent root burn.

Pruning: Leadplant thrives with strategic pruning in late spring, post-frost. Trim one-third of the previous growth to improve air circulation and shape. Routine pruning boosts longevity and flowering. Always use clean, sharp tools to avoid diseases and ensure clean cuts.

Propagation: Leadplant grows best when seeds are sown in well-draining soil. Scarifying seeds boosts germination. Plant in sunny spots with consistent moisture for successful propagation. Though growth is slow initially, leadplant matures into a durable, drought-resistant addition to native gardens.

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