Leadplant

Scientific name:  Amorpha canescens Pursh  

Short Description:  Leadplant is a small native warm-season perennial legume with lead-gray foliage and accenting purple flowers.  

Description: Leadplant is a small native warm-season perennial leguminous shrub adapted to the central one-half of the United States extending from Mexico into Canada.  Leadplant is found growing in most all types of soils with an average annual rainfall of 20 to 45 inches. The presence of leadplant on the prairie is an indication the prairie is in excellent health. Leadplant is very high protein and subsequently it is readily grazed by all classes of livestock and wildlife.  Leadplant is relatively shade tolerant but when placed in shade it will grow towards the sunlight. Leadplant’s comparatively slow establishment and low seed production prevent it from being a dominant species on the prairie. It is a favorite among prairie enthusiast for its lead-gray appearance and accenting purple flowers.  

Plant Taxonomy of Leadplant 

Plant Characteristics of Leadplant

*Special considerations for spring planting: seed germination can be improved with mechanical scarification.  Seed needs to be inoculated with Rhizobium for nitrogen fixation to occur. Germination of scarified seed generally occurs within 2 weeks after planting provided adequate soil moisture and temperature conditions are met.  

Uses of Leadplant

Use: Landscape:  attractive as an accent plant, in mass plantings as well as in species mixes

Wildlife: palatable and nutritious native legume

Livestock:  highly palatable, tends to be overgrazed