leadplant (Amorpha canescens) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Leadplant is a small shrub native to prairies across much of the Great Plains. Silvery gray hairs on its leaves give leadplant its name. Its upright clusters of purple flowers have stamens with bright yellow tips that hold pollen.

Appearance

Growth form: Several stems rise from a woody base, usually reaching about 1–3 ft (0.3–0.9 m).
Leaves: Many small leaflets form each leaf, and fine gray hairs give the foliage its dusty color.
Flowers: Purple flowers crowd into upright spikes, with yellow anthers sticking out.
Fruit: Small, hairy pods develop after flowering; each holds one seed.

Look-alikes

false indigo bushAmorpha fruticosa

Leadplant is usually about 1–3 ft (0.3–0.9 m) tall and looks silvery from dense hairs. False indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa) can reach 6–12 ft (1.8–3.7 m) and is more often found near streams and moist ground.

Why they get mixed upBoth have rows of small leaflets and purple flower spikes.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Prairies
Dry open woods
Rocky bluffs
Range: It grows naturally across much of the Great Plains, from North Dakota and Minnesota south toward Texas and New Mexico. It favors open sites with well-drained soil.

Name and classification

About the name: The name is also written lead plant.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: Native prairie restorations use it because its deep roots help hold soil.

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