Purple spikes of Amorpha canescens make their first appearance in the garden this month. This native perennial is slow to develop, so that in past years its foliage was the only evidence that the plant was in residence. The leaves and stems are often covered with tiny white hairs, making the leadplant seem to be covered in lead dust. Evidently its common name was given at a time when most of us were familiar with lead dust.
A true prairie plant, the leadplant habitat extends through the entire Central U.S. to the Canadian Provinces. Its central root can often extend 15 feet, facilitating recovery from fire. Leaves are bipinnate, 4 to 12 inches long with up to 50 half-inch leaflets compacted along the stem. Flowers ranging from dark to light violet cluster along 6-inch spikes at the ends of major branches.
A good viewing spot for this plant is from the northeastern bench of the Light Plate where the garden turns a corner north to the Shoulder Hedge. You will find it growing between a mix of ornamental oregano and sea lavender on its right and 'Purple Rain' meadow sage on its left.
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