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 nana – This native Northern Mid west of the U.S.A. down into the rocky Mountains seldom reaches 24” high. In summer it bears small purple flowers in sprays ¼” wide. The young stems are red brown are initially covered with fine hairs but soon wears off. The pinnate leaves are up to 4” long composed of 7-31 leaflets that are tipped with a tiny soft spine.
Zones 4-8
