How much sun does California false indigo need?

California false indigo grows best in part shade conditions.

When does California false indigo bloom?

California false indigo blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is California false indigo native?

California false indigo (Amorpha californica) is native to AZ, CA, NM, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does California false indigo host?

California false indigo is a larval host plant for Silver-spotted Skipper.

California false indigo

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Amorpha californica

Last reviewed: November 2026

California false indigo (Amorpha californica) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, NM. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees and bumble bees.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for California false indigo, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

California false indigo (Amorpha californica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

36"–72" H × 36"–60" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, NM

Pollinators

native bees, bumble bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like California false indigo.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Madrean Archipelago Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

This false indigo is a deciduous shrub with compound leaves and upright spikes of small purple flowers with striking orange anthers. It grows in the understory of chaparral and open woodland.

Growing California false indigo

Grow California false indigo in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 60 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for Silver-spotted Skipper.

The flower spikes are heavily worked by native bees, including bumble bees, and the foliage is a documented larval host for the Silver-spotted Skipper.

Common questions

How much sun does California false indigo need?: California false indigo grows best in part shade conditions.
When does California false indigo bloom?: California false indigo blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is California false indigo native?: California false indigo (Amorpha californica) is native to AZ, CA, NM, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does California false indigo host?: California false indigo is a larval host plant for Silver-spotted Skipper.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow California false indigo? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app