Lead Plant

Amorpha canescens

Landscape Focus

A small structural shrub used in dry prairies to provide fine texture, nitrogen fixation, and strong drought tolerance.

Plant Details

Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Gravel

Soil Moisture: Dry, Medium

Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Height: 1' - 3'

Spacing: 18" - 24"

Bloom Color: Purple

Bloom Time: June, July

Root Type: Deep taproot

Benefits: Pollinators, Nitrogen Fixer, Deer Resistant

Plant Description

Lead Plant is a long-lived prairie shrub with silvery foliage and spikes of purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Its deep roots allow it to thrive in dry, sandy soils and withstand drought. Growth is slow but plants become extremely resilient over time. Avoid transplanting mature plants due to the deep root system.