Also known as prairie shoestring and leadplant amorpha, the leadplant is from the pea family. It is native to the United States and is botanically known as Amorpha canescens.
Leadplant Description
A small shrub that grows one to three feet high, the leadplant is a perennial with compound hairy leaves and small purple or blue flowers. Flowers are in a terminal spike and bloom season is between June and July. Leaves give the shrub a grayish appearance due to the short hairs. It has a deep root system.
Growing Guide
Grow this native in full sun or partial shade in a dry well drained soil. Propagate by seed. Seed should be planted in the fall season or in spring after a hot water scarification and cold moist stratification.
Distribution
The leadplant can be found in the states of Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. It is seen in open woodlands and well drained prairies.
Name
The Greek word ‘amorphos’ means formless and is given to this genus for the fact that the flower has only one petal which is atypical to the pea family flowers.
Uses
The fruits make for an ornamental plant and it is a food source for mammals and deer. Native Americans once used the leaves to make a tea with and dried them to smoke. The nectar from a leadplant is good for attracting insects.
Source: NPIN