Leadplant
Amorpha canescens 'Wisconsin form'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Dry to medium
Humidity
Low to average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Amorpha canescens is a deep-rooted, deciduous shrub native to North American prairies, featuring pinnately compound, silvery-gray leaves and dense terminal spikes of small, purple flowers with golden anthers. Known as Leadplant due to the belief its presence indicated lead in the soil, it is extremely drought tolerant, fixes nitrogen, and is a valuable plant for pollinators and prairie restoration.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks
- Place in full sun for best flowering
- Prune lightly after flowering to shape
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
- Divide every 3-4 years in early spring
Pro Tip
Ensure well-drained soil and full sun for optimal growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during prolonged dry spells 💧
- Prune to maintain shape after flowering
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer annually
Don't
- Overwater in winter ❌
- Prune in late fall ❌
- Use heavy soil amendments ❌
- Neglect mulching ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Leadplant questions
What zones can Leadplant grow in?
Leadplant is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Leadplant deer resistant?
Yes — Leadplant is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Leadplant bloom?
Leadplant typically blooms in mid summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Leadplant need full sun?
Leadplant does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Leadplant drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Leadplant handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Leadplant with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
