Lead Plant

Amorpha canescens

Basic Information

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

Genus: amorpha

Plant ID (slug): amorpha-canescens

Numeric ID: 22894

USDA Hardiness: 2-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Amorpha canescens is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1.5 m (5ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Indiana to Minnesota and Manitoba, south to Kansas and New Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Edible Uses: Oil Tea An infusion of the dried leaves makes a pleasant tasting yellow-coloured tea[161, 177, 183, 257].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Eczema Miscellany Salve Skin Stomachic An infusion of the leaves has been used to kill pinworms or any intestinal worms[257]. The infusion is also used to treat eczema, the report does not say it if is used internally or externally[257]. The dried and powdered leaves are applied as a salve to cuts and open wounds[257]. A decoction of the root is used to treat stomach pains[257]. A moxa of the twigs has been used in the treatment of neuralgia and rheumatism[257].