Dwarf leadplant
Amorpha nana
Dwarf leadplant (Amorpha nana) is a small native shrub with slender spikes of honey-scented, purple flowers that bloom in June. The flowers offer special value to native bees. Dwarf leadplant blooms several weeks earlier than leadplant (Amorpha canescens) and has greener foliage. Its foliage can turn a vibrant gold during autumn.
A member of the Pea family, dwarf leadplant can take nitrogen from the air and transform it into a nitrate fertilizer with the help of a symbiotic soil-dwelling microbe called Rhizobium. As a result, this beautiful, dryland shrub looks green and healthy even in the most impoverished soils.
This shrub is perfect for the most challenging, full-sun spots in your garden, and its small size makes it a seamless fit for urban landscapes.
A member of the Pea family, dwarf leadplant can take nitrogen from the air and transform it into a nitrate fertilizer with the help of a symbiotic soil-dwelling microbe called Rhizobium. As a result, this beautiful, dryland shrub looks green and healthy even in the most impoverished soils.
This shrub is perfect for the most challenging, full-sun spots in your garden, and its small size makes it a seamless fit for urban landscapes.
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Height | 2-3 feet |
| Width | 2-3 feet |
| Flowering Season | June |
| Flower Color | Purple |
| Sun | Sun, Part Sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate to xeric |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-6 |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sandy, Gravelly |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Good for Pollination | Yes |
| Winter Interest | No |
| North American Native | Yes |
| Native Origins | CO, IA, KS, MN, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD |
| Year Introduced | 2020 |
| Annual Commercial Maintenance | None required |
| 5-10 Year Commercial Maintenance | None required |
| Elevation Guide | Up to 8150 ft |
