Dwarf wild indigo
Amorpha nana
Dwarf wild indigo (Amorpha nana) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 1–2 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Compact dwarf form for tough sites; purple flower spikes; rare in trade, worth seeking out.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water1–2 ft tall and 2–3 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Amorpha nana
- Variety / cultivar
- (species)
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 1–2 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~3 ft apart (2 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Things to know before you plant
- SuckersIt suckers from the base or roots, so remove shoots to keep it in bounds.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Very drought tolerant once established (one season); leguminous nitrogen-fixer.
- Pruning: light.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Dwarf wild indigo good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Dwarf wild indigo is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Dwarf wild indigo?
- The main things to know: It suckers from the base or roots, so remove shoots to keep it in bounds.
- How big does Dwarf wild indigo get?
- It matures to about 1–2 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Dwarf wild indigo?
- Space Dwarf wild indigo about 3 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 2 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Dwarf wild indigo hardy on the Front Range?
- Dwarf wild indigo is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Dwarf wild indigo need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Dwarf wild indigo grow?
- Dwarf wild indigo is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Dwarf wild indigo native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Dwarf wild indigo deer-resistant?
- Dwarf wild indigo is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
