- Description:
This shrubby plant has leaves with 35-41 leaflets arranged alternately on the stem. Leaves
are covered with soft hairs. Small, dark purple flowers are crowded on 2½-4 inch spikes.
- Comments:
The common name Leadplant and the species name canescens refer to the
silvery-grey, lead-like appearance of the leaves. The genus name Amorpha, Greek
for “deformed,” refers to the flowers that have only one petal folded around the
inner flower parts. The dried leaves were used for medicine and tea by the Plains Indians.
Historically, Leadplant was extremely abundant on Kansas prairies. It is one of our most
important native legumes. Roots can extend more than 15 feet into the soil. Leadplant is
palatable to all classes of livestock. It grows in well-drained prairie soils and is found
in the eastern three-quarters of the state.
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