AMORPHA CANESCENS / LEAD PLANT

AMORPHA CANESCENS / LEAD PLANT

A Tough, Drought-Tolerant Shrub with Unique Purple Flowers

Amorpha canescens, commonly known as Lead Plant, is a hardy, deciduous shrub prized for its resilience, nitrogen-fixing properties, and striking summer blooms. This native prairie plant features upright spikes of deep purple flowers with bright orange stamens, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. With its silvery-gray, fern-like foliage and exceptional drought tolerance, it thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soils, making it a perfect choice for low-maintenance landscapes, prairie gardens, and erosion control.

Why Choose Lead Plant?

• Unique Purple Blooms: Produces dense spikes of deep purple flowers with orange stamens in summer.

• Drought-Tolerant & Low Maintenance: Thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soils with minimal care.

• Pollinator Magnet: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

• Nitrogen-Fixing Benefits: Improves soil health by enriching it with nitrogen.

Key Features

• Striking Summer Flowers: Eye-catching purple flower spikes bloom from June to August.

• Silvery-Green Foliage: Fern-like, soft-textured leaves add interest throughout the season.

• Deep Root System: Exceptional drought resistance and soil stabilization.

• Cold Hardy & Adaptable: Thrives in challenging conditions and poor soils.

Specifications

• Plant Size: Grows 2–3 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–9, highly adaptable to various climates.

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun for best flowering and growth.

• Soil Requirements: Tolerates dry, sandy, rocky, or well-drained soils.

Ideal Uses

• Pollinator Gardens: A must-have for attracting bees and butterflies.

• Drought-Resistant Landscaping: Perfect for xeriscapes and water-wise gardens.

• Soil Stabilization: Helps control erosion on slopes and disturbed sites.

• Native Prairie & Meadow Gardens: Complements other wildflowers and grasses.

Amorpha canescens is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a tough, low-maintenance shrub with beautiful flowers, pollinator benefits, and soil-enhancing properties. With its ability to thrive in dry, nutrient-poor soils, it is an ideal addition to prairie landscapes and sustainable gardens.

• NATIVE TO ONTARIO