Leadplant
Amorpha canescens
Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 2–4 ft tall and 2–4 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Nitrogen-fixing native legume; purple flower spikes in summer; deer-resistant.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water2–4 ft tall and 2–4 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Amorpha canescens
- Variety / cultivar
- (species)
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 2–4 ft tall and 2–4 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~4 ft apart (3 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
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls
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
Deep root system makes mature plants very drought tolerant; deep-soak monthly first season.
- Pruning: light.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Leadplant good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Leadplant is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Leadplant?
- The main things to know: It suckers from the base or roots, so remove shoots to keep it in bounds.
- How big does Leadplant get?
- It matures to about 2–4 ft tall and 2–4 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Leadplant?
- Space Leadplant about 4 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 3 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Leadplant hardy on the Front Range?
- Leadplant 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 Leadplant need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Leadplant grow?
- Leadplant is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Leadplant native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Leadplant deer-resistant?
- Leadplant is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
