Bastard Indigo-bush
Amorpha fruticosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
96"–240" H × 72"–144" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AZ, CA, CO and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bastard indigo-bush is a large native shrub that produces spikes of small purple flowers from May through July. This robust plant can reach 8-20 feet tall and wide, making it suitable for larger landscape spaces where a substantial shrub is desired.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bastard Indigo-bush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large mature size unsuitable for most residential front yards
- Common name includes 'bastard' which some may find objectionable
- Can appear somewhat wild and unstructured in growth habit
Wildlife value
Host plant for silver-spotted skipper, dogface butterfly.
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and moths during its long blooming period. This shrub also provides nesting habitat and cover for birds due to its substantial size.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Bastard Indigo-bush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.