Leadplant
Amorpha canescens
Last reviewed: July 2026
Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) is a drought-tolerant native shrub with silvery foliage and purple flower spikes that bloom from June through August across the Great Plains and Midwest.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Leadplant as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–48" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, AZ, CO, IA and 16 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Leadplant is a compact native shrub with silvery-gray foliage and striking purple flower spikes that bloom throughout summer. This drought-tolerant plant develops a neat, rounded form and requires minimal care once established. The distinctive flowers and attractive foliage make it a standout addition to sunny gardens.
Growing Leadplant
Grow Leadplant in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Leadplant is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Winter appearance is bare stems
Wildlife value
Host plant for dogbane beetle, silver-spotted skipper.
The purple flower spikes attract numerous native bees, butterflies, and moths during the long summer bloom period. This plant is particularly valuable for specialist native bees that depend on native legumes.
Common questions
- When does Leadplant bloom?
- Leadplant produces distinctive purple flower spikes from June through August, providing important nectar sources during summer months.
- What pollinators visit Leadplant?
- Leadplant attracts various bees, butterflies, and moths with its dense purple flower clusters, making it valuable for pollinator gardens.
- Where is Leadplant native?
- Leadplant is native across much of the central United States, from the Great Plains states like Kansas and Nebraska eastward to Wisconsin and Indiana, and south to Texas and Arkansas.
- What growing conditions does Leadplant prefer?
- Leadplant thrives in full sun with low to moderate water requirements, making it well-suited for prairie restorations and drought-tolerant landscapes.
- Is Leadplant toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Leadplant as toxic to livestock.
- Is Leadplant HOA-friendly?
- Leadplant is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Leadplant? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz