Leadplant

Leadplant

Amorpha canescens

A native prairie shrub with silvery-gray compound leaves and spikes of purple flowers in summer. Extremely drought tolerant and cold hardy. An important plant for native bees and a signature species of the tallgrass prairie.

USDA Zones

2–8

Height

2 ft–4 ft at maturity

Bloom Season

June – August

Bloom Color

purple

🦌 Deer ResistantDeer tend to avoid this plant🐕 Dog-Friendly†Not listed as toxic to dogs by common horticultural references. See disclaimer below.🐈 Cat-Friendly†Not listed as toxic to cats by common horticultural references. See disclaimer below.🐾 Groundhog ResistantGroundhogs tend to avoid this plant🌿 Native to USNative to North America — supports local wildlife and ecosystems🐝 Attracts PollinatorsAttracts bees and other pollinators🦋 Attracts ButterfliesAttracts butterflies

^† "Dog-Friendly" / "Cat-Friendly" means this plant is not listed as toxic by common horticultural references. It is not a guarantee of safety for all animals in all circumstances. If your pet ingests any plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435.

# Leadplant Care Guide Leadplant is a native prairie shrub that was once so abundant on the Great Plains that early settlers used its presence to identify good farmland. It is extremely drought tolerant, cold hardy, and valuable for native pollinators. ## Planting Plant in full sun with well-drained, lean soil. Avoid rich or moist soils. Space 3–4 feet apart. ## Watering Water weekly for the first season. Once established, very drought tolerant — rainfall is usually sufficient. ## Pruning Cut back to 6 inches in late winter or early spring to encourage dense new growth. ## Nitrogen Fixation Leadplant fixes nitrogen from the air, improving soil fertility over time.

Sun Requirements

Soil Type

Care Requirements

Complete Care Guide