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Amorpha nana
Amorpha nana Nutt.
Dwarf False Indigo, Fragrant Indigo-bush, Fragrant False Indigo, Dwarf Wild Indigo
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: amna
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Fragrant indigo-bush is a low-growing shrub, 1-3 ft. tall. Its finely textured, pinnately compound foliage gives a cloud-like appearance. Dense, terminal racemes of purple, pea-like flowers with showy, orange anthers are showcased against the bright-green leaflets.
The genus name, from the Greek amorphos (formless or deformed), alludes to the fact that the flower, with only a single petal (the banner or standard), is unlike the typical pea flowers of the family.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Pinnate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Purple , VioletBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: CO , IA , KS , MN , ND , NE , NM , OK , SDCanada: MB
Native Distribution: S. Man. to IA, w. to Sask. & NM
Native Habitat: Dry prairies; rocky hillsides
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Drought Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Rocky or sandy soils.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesValue to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Propagation is possible by seed. Seedlings are slow-growing.Seed Collection: Extraction of seeds from the pod is not necessary as the pods do not inhibit germination.
Seed Treatment: If seeds are stored, a 10-minute, hot water soak will improve germination. Moist stratification for three weeks at 40 degrees may also improve germination.
Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | UPL | FACU | FACU | FACU |
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, SallySearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 26 - Minnesota Wildflowers: a field guide to the flora of Minnesota (2009)Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Amorpha nana in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Amorpha nana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Amorpha nana
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-11-11Research By: TWC Staff