Lead Plant
Amorpha canescens
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Pl. B520 — Amorpha canescens
Amorpha canescensAmorpha canescensAmorpha canescensAmorpha canescensAmorpha canescensAmorpha canescensAmorpha canescensAmorpha canescensAmorpha canescensAmorpha canescensAmorpha canescensAmorpha canescensAmorpha canescensAmorpha canescens
IOverview
Overview
Lead Plant (Amorpha canescens) is a native North American shrub found in the central and western United States. It thrives in full to partial sun and prefers dry to moist soil types ranging from light sandy to medium textures. Hardy in zones 2-9, this plant grows up to 1.2 meters tall and is well-suited for areas with moderate water requirements. Known for its ornamental value, Lead Plant also serves as an edible source, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes. Its distinctive feature includes feathery, grayish-green foliage and unique, purple-pink seed pods that add visual interest throughout the growing season.
Quick answers
What is Lead Plant?
Lead Plant (Amorpha canescens) is a native North American shrub found in the central and western United States. It thrives in full to partial sun and prefers dry to moist soil types ranging from light sandy to medium textures. Hardy in zones 2-9, this plant grows up to 1.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lead Plant thrives in full to partial sun and prefers dry to moist conditions. It grows best in light or medium soil types and can reach a height of 1.2 meters. Hardy from zones 2-9, it is adaptable but performs well in temperate regions. Propagate through seed or cuttings. SKIP
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
2-9
Mature size
1.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Lead Plant for the first time
8steps
Lead Plant is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that's perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A small lead plant seedling or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for best results.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young seedlings to a sunny spot, spacing them about 1 meter apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the plant regularly until it's established, then reduce watering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Lead Plant thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established. Prune lightly to encourage bushiness.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged branches in late winter before new growth starts.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Oil, Tea
Other uses:Pest controloilWind breakerErosion controlNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 20 native· 1 introduced
Asia1 region
introduced (1)South Korea
Broader regions
native:South Dakota, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Arizona, Mississippi
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · b5206cf2-2a20-4bde-a1e1-939db7a1a5df
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