Kingdom Plantae Family Fabaceae Scientific name Amorpha canescens | Order Fabales Genus Amorpha Rank Species | |
Similar Amorpha, Dalea purpurea, Amorpha nana, Liatris aspera, Lespedeza capitata | ||
Leadplant amorpha canescens
Amorpha canescens (Leadplant, Leadplant amorpha, Prairie shoestring) is a 30–90 cm (0.98–2.95 ft) tall deciduous shrub in the Pea family (Fabaceae) that is native to North America. It has very small purple flowers with yellow stamens which are grouped in racemes. The flowers bloom in early July. The compound leaves of this plant appear leaden (the reason for the common name "leadplant") due to their dense hairiness. The roots can grow deeper than 1.2 meters (3.9 feet). This plant can be found growing in well drained soils of prairies, bluffs, and open woodlands.
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Leadplant was used by various Indigenous Peoples to treat a number of medical problems. In addition the Oglala used the leaves both as a tea and as a smoking mixture when combined with buffalo fat.
Amorpha canescens was described for science by Frederick Pursh in 1814. Canescens is a botanical Latin term meaning "becoming grey".
Potted leadplant amorpha canescens in urban garden
