Description
Amorpha
There are about 15 species of deciduous shrubs from North America, in this genus. They grow 3-12’ feet tall and are found in dry often, sandy areas such as prairies scrub and hills and sometimes in woodland and on riverbanks. Grown for their aromatic leaves which are alternate and are pinnate consisting of 7-45 leaflets and for their dense erect one sided racemes of usually mauve purple or white flowers which have only a single petal and are followed by seed pods remain until leaves drop. The name amorphous (deformed) refers to the single petaled flowers. Prized for their ability to thrive in very poor soils particularly where temperature fall to –22 degree Fahrenheit or below.
For best results grow in light sandy well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Prone to powdery mildew, rust and a few fungal leaf spots.
Amorpha fruticosa – Bastard indigo – False indigo – This Eastern U.S.A. species grows 15’ feet tall and in breadth and can become weedy. This fast grower bears mid green pinnate leaves to 12” long composed of 13-33 oval to oblong leaflets. In summer it bears bottle brush like panicles of orange or yellow anthered purple blue flowers ¾” long in racemes 6” long.
Zones 2-8
