Smooth False Indigo
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(Amorpha glabra)
Smooth False Indigo (Amorpha glabra)
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Evan M. Raskin
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Evan M. Raskin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Evan M. Raskin | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Evan M. Raskin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-05-29T17:00:13-07:00 |
Summary
Amorpha glabra, commonly known as Smooth False Indigo, is a deciduous shrub native to floodplains, riverbanks, and moist open woodlands of the southeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) and is known for its dense, bushy habit and compound leaves. The plant produces striking spikes of deep purple flowers with contrasting orange anthers from late spring to early summer, which are highly attractive to pollinators. The flowers are followed by small, ornamental seed pods that add interest to the winter landscape.
Smooth False Indigo is valued for its adaptability to various soil types, including clay, and its tolerance of occasional flooding, making it an excellent choice for naturalized areas, rain gardens, and erosion control. It is also used in restoration projects due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, which improves soil fertility. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils but is relatively drought-tolerant once established. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases in humid climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Smooth False Indigo is valued for its adaptability to various soil types, including clay, and its tolerance of occasional flooding, making it an excellent choice for naturalized areas, rain gardens, and erosion control. It is also used in restoration projects due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, which improves soil fertility. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils but is relatively drought-tolerant once established. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases in humid climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to floodplains, riverbanks, and moist open woodlands of the southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Leadplant
Scientific Names: Amorpha glabra, Amorpha fruticosa var. glabra, Amorpha montana, Amorpha retusa
GBIF Accepted Name: Amorpha glabra