Lead Plant, <i>Amorpha canescens</i>

Lead plant is one of the prairie’s most distinctive shrubs, with soft, silvery-gray foliage that gives the entire plant a striking, almost frosted appearance. In early to midsummer, dense spikes of deep purple flowers rise above the foliage, creating a beautiful contrast that is especially effective when planted among grasses and other prairie wildflowers. Growing roughly 2–3 feet tall and wide, lead plant forms a naturally rounded, woody shrub that adds structure to a prairie planting without becoming aggressive or overly dominant. A true plant of the dry prairie, lead plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is remarkably tolerant of drought once established. Its flowers are highly attractive to native bees and other pollinators, while its foliage provides an important food source for several species of caterpillars. Like other members of the pea family, lead plant also has the ability to fix nitrogen, making it an ecologically interesting addition to a diverse prairie community. It is an excellent choice for dry, sunny sites where you want something a little unusual and able to look good even when it isn’t in bloom. Size: 3 Feet Sun: Full, Partial Soil: Medium, Medium-Dry, Dry Bloom Time: July, August Advantages: