Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)

By Joy MandelbaumProbably my favorite native shrub, leadplant has delicate compound leaves that belie its hardiness in our climate. Where did it get its name? Superstition holds that it was an indicator of the presence of lead in the ground. But more likely it comes from the lead-colored leaves, which are covered in silver-gray hairs. Leadplant is in the legume family and services the soil by being a nitrogen fixer. Being deep rooted, it can survive prairie fires and drought. Those deep roots made plowing difficult for pioneers, who dubbed it “devil’s shoestrings.”Planting and care: Leadplant is found on plains at elevations of 5,500 to 7,000 feet; planting it with native grasses in your garden makes it feel right at home. My plant is happy on the northeast side of the house, probably because it prefers less intense heat. Long-lived and cold hardy, it is flexible about soil but requires good drainage. Once established its water needs are moderate.Landscape use:Used for prairie restoration, leadplant is an indicator of healthy, well-managed range areas. Its deep roots help with erosion control. When in bloom, the spikes of fragrant indigo flowers with tiny orange stamens make a splash, especially with pink/purple-flowering plants like hyssop (Agastache cana) or purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia). An insect magnet, it attracts native butterflies and bees and is a caterpillar host, making it a good selection for native pollinator gardens. Birds and small mammals go for the small, one-seed pods that follow the blooms.Flower type:deciduous subshrubBloom time:June to JulyBloom color:indigoHeight:2–4 feetWidth:3–4 feetExposure:full sun, but will tolerate part shadeSoil moisture:low-medium, deep wateringSoil:not too picky but does need good drainageOther advantages:Native Americans used the leaves to make a tea and sometimes as medicine.References:Philips, Judith. Growing the Southwest Garden(Timber, 2015) and Plants for Natural Gardens(Museum of New Mexico, 1995)SNaPP,A Guide to Native Plants for the Santa Fe LandscapeUSDA/NRCS Plant Fact Sheet, Leadplant  photo by Joy Mandelbaum