How much sun does Fragrant false indigo need?

Fragrant false indigo grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Fragrant false indigo bloom?

Fragrant false indigo blooms in May and June.

Where is Fragrant false indigo native?

Fragrant false indigo (Amorpha nana) is native to CO, IA, ID, KS and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Fragrant false indigo attract?

Fragrant false indigo draws bumble bees and native bees.

Fragrant false indigo

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Amorpha nana

Last reviewed: November 2026

Fragrant false indigo (Amorpha nana) is a perennial shrub native to CO, IA, ID, KS and 6 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bumble bees and native bees.

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

Toxicity unknown

Fragrant false indigo (Amorpha nana) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CO, IA, ID, KS and 6 more states

Pollinators

bumble bees, native 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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Rockies High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Great Plains North Central Hardwood Forests

A low, mounding deciduous shrub with fine compound leaves, native to open prairie sites. Short spikes of purple flowers with prominent orange anthers rise just above the foliage in late spring.

Growing Fragrant false indigo

Grow Fragrant false indigo in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The flower spikes are heavily visited by bumble bees and other native bees for both pollen and nectar.

Common questions

How much sun does Fragrant false indigo need?: Fragrant false indigo grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Fragrant false indigo bloom?: Fragrant false indigo blooms in May and June.
Where is Fragrant false indigo native?: Fragrant false indigo (Amorpha nana) is native to CO, IA, ID, KS and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Fragrant false indigo attract?: Fragrant false indigo draws bumble bees and native bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Fragrant false indigo? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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