Dr. R. Neil Reese NPB 249B, Box 2140D South Dakota State University Brookings, SD 57007-2142 Phone: (605) 688-4568 Email: Neil_Reese@sdstate.edu	| BACK TO MAIN PAGE |

Family name : Fabaceae Scientific name : Amorpha canescens Common name : Leadplant, shoestrings Native American name : Lakota: ''zitka’tacan’ '' Amorpha canescens is a(n) perennial shrub, which grows .3 to 1.2 m in height. This species is commonly found in prairies and on hillsides throughout the Great Plains. The leaves are alternate, odd-pinnate, and contain many small leaflets. Amorpha canescens has blue to violet flowers that bloom from June to August. Click here for more information about the life cycle of Amorpha canescens. Horticulture Notes     Glossary Seed Collection : Collect seed in late August  Germination : Scarify and plant in the spring after pretreatment  Vegetative Propagation : Seed  Soils : Dry soils  Light : Full sun  Water : Mesic  Notes : Lead plant is an excellent shrub for use in landscaping. I prefer it to Russian sage. It is deep-rooted and very drought tolerant. Starting from seeds requires a couple of years for the roots to grow before the shrub really starts to develop. The flowers are very attractive and attract bees and butterflies. The leaves make a very good tea that is high in antioxidants.    Foods Uses : Leadplant makes a flavorful tea Click here for more information.

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