Fragrant False Indigo (Amorpha nana) is a perennial shrub that thrives in USDA zones 3-7. It is native to North America, particularly in the central United States and Canada.
The plant features clusters of purple, tubular flowers that bloom on spikes about 3 inches long, rising above the foliage. Each flower has a single petal that wraps around a cluster of bright red stamens protruding from the center. The blooms start from the bottom of the spike and progress upward, typically appearing in June, July, and August. They are sweet-smelling, and the leaves emit a unique scent, especially when crushed. These flowers are excellent for cut arrangements and attract bees and butterflies. Additionally, they serve as a host plant for the larvae of the Silver Spotted Skipper butterfly.
Fragrant False Indigo thrives in full sun to partial shade and reaches a mature height of 1-3 feet with a spread of about 4 feet. It prefers rocky and sandy soils, particularly in dry prairies, and is drought-tolerant.
The leaves are vibrant green and compound, consisting of 5 to 15 leaflets that grow alternately along branching stems. Each leaflet averages about ½ inch in length and is oblong with rounded ends. The main stems are woody and smooth, adorned with fine, short hairs.
The plant produces small seed heads that contain a single seed each, supported by a strong, deep taproot system. Propagation is primarily done through seeds, as division is not recommended due to the deep taproot. This plant is deer and rabbit-resistant.
Companion plants include coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, salvia, and various grasses.
Historically, early American settlers and Native Americans used Fragrant False Indigo as a source of blue dye and for medicinal purposes.
Fragrant False Indigo (Amorpha nana) is a perennial shrub that thrives in USDA zones 3-7. It is native to North America, particularly in the central United States and Canada.
The plant features clusters of purple, tubular flowers that bloom on spikes about 3 inches long, rising above the foliage. Each flower has a single petal that wraps around a cluster of bright red stamens protruding from the center. The blooms start from the bottom of the spike and progress upward, typically appearing in June, July, and August. They are sweet-smelling, and the leaves emit a unique scent, especially when crushed. These flowers are excellent for cut arrangements and attract bees and butterflies. Additionally, they serve as a host plant for the larvae of the Silver Spotted Skipper butterfly.
Fragrant False Indigo thrives in full sun to partial shade and reaches a mature height of 1-3 feet with a spread of about 4 feet. It prefers rocky and sandy soils, particularly in dry prairies, and is drought-tolerant.
The leaves are vibrant green and compound, consisting of 5 to 15 leaflets that grow alternately along branching stems. Each leaflet averages about ½ inch in length and is oblong with rounded ends. The main stems are woody and smooth, adorned with fine, short hairs.
The plant produces small seed heads that contain a single seed each, supported by a strong, deep taproot system. Propagation is primarily done through seeds, as division is not recommended due to the deep taproot. This plant is deer and rabbit-resistant.
Companion plants include coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, salvia, and various grasses.
Historically, early American settlers and Native Americans used Fragrant False Indigo as a source of blue dye and for medicinal purposes.
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