False Indigo Bush (Amorpha Fruticosa)

Picture of a False Indigo Bush
Jennifer Anderson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Native to North America and Mexico, this deciduous shrub can be invasive. This shrub has feathery looking, pinnate leaves and dense spikes of small flowers that are normally violet or blue. The flowers are borne at the ends of the shoots in July or August. This shrub may be known by one or more common names in different places, and some are listed below.

False Indigo (Amorpha Fruticosa) has green foliage and slender racemes of purple to blue flowers.
Lead Plant (Amorpha canescens) has grayish foliage and purple flowers with yellow stamens.

Facts about the Amorpha Fruticosa Species of Shrubs;

• Genus & Species Scientific Name = Amorpha Fruticosa
• Common Names = False Indigo Bush
• Other names; Desert false indigo, Indigobush, Lead Plant (Amorpha canescens)

Planting and Growing False Indigo Bush;

These shrubs can be grown in any well-drained soil in a sunny location. The previous year's shoots should be trimmed back before new growth begins in the spring.

Shrub Growth Details;

Mature Height : 18 feet
Mature Spread : 6-8 feet
Mature Form : Climbing shrub
Growth Rate : Slow
Sun Exposure : Full sun
Soil Moisture : Dry to Normal
Soil Type : Sandy to clay
Soil pH : Normal
Flower Color : violet or blue
Flowering Time : Late Spring
Foliage Color : Green
Hardiness Zones : 5-10

False Indigo Bush will grow in the following North American hardiness zones;

Zone 5a, -20 to -15 F, -26.2 to -28.8 C
Zone 5b, -15 to -10 F, -23.4 to -26.1 C
Zone 6a, -10 to -5 F, -20.6 to -23.3 C
Zone 6b, -5 to 0 F, -17.8 to -20.5 C
Zone 7a, 0 to 5 F, -15.0 to -17.7 C
Zone 7b, 5 to 10 F, -12.3 to -14.9 C
Zone 8a, 10 to 15 F, -9.5 to -12.2 C
Zone 8b, 15 to 20 F, -6.7 to -9.4 C
Zone 9a, 20 to 25 F, -3.9 to -6.6 C
Zone 9b, 25 to 30 F, -1.2 to -3.8 C
Zone 10a, 30 to 35 F, 1.6 to -1.1 C
Zone 10b, 35 to 40 F, 4.4 to 1.7 C