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 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 deer-resistant?

Dwarf wild indigo is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

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Dwarf wild indigo

Amorpha nana

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-09-11

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

Photos

Photo 1: (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: (c) Mary Krieger, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 3: (c) Mary Krieger, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 4: Denis.prévôt, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 5: Bouba at French Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 6: Denis.prévôt, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4–9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: loam, sandy, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.5–8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 1–2 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~3 ft apart (2 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: shortgrass prairie, foothills

Things to know before you plant

SuckersIt suckers from the base or roots, so remove shoots to keep it in bounds.

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.