Dwarf False Indigo

Dwarf leadplant is a small native shrub found in open short grass prairie.

It has dark green leaves and grows as a round, compact mound. In June, it develops small spikes of purple flowers. Although the flowers are not that showy, they attract large numbers of native bees.

It is closely related to leadplant, but has brighter green leaves and is much smaller. Dwarf leadplant is a good choice for a Colorado-friendly landscape where a small shrub is desired.

Bushy plant with green pinnate leaves and small yellow-green flower spikes.
Close-up of a green plant with compound leaves consisting of small leaflets.
Close-up of a green plant with elongated, feather-like leaves and small, clustered buds.
A green plant with fern-like leaves and yellow buds surrounded by wood chips.
Close-up of green plant with compound leaves and a cluster of small buds.

Dwarf False Indigo

Dwarf leadplant is a small native shrub found in open short grass prairie.

It has dark green leaves and grows as a round, compact mound. In June, it develops small spikes of purple flowers. Although the flowers are not that showy, they attract large numbers of native bees.

It is closely related to leadplant, but has brighter green leaves and is much smaller. Dwarf leadplant is a good choice for a Colorado-friendly landscape where a small shrub is desired.

Plant details
bar-chart-01
Botanic Name

Amorpha nana

bar-chart-01
Pronunciation

a-MOR-fa NAN-uh

bar-chart-01
Mature Height

1 to 3 ft.

bar-chart-01
Mature Spread

1 to 3 ft.

bar-chart-01
Water usage
Water Usage

One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.

Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.

Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.

bar-chart-01
Flower Color

purple

bar-chart-01
Bloom time

May to July

bar-chart-01
Colorado Native

Yes

bar-chart-01
Natural Habitat

Colorado and midwestern states

bar-chart-01
Light Requirements

sun

bar-chart-01
Cold Hardiness

USDA zones 4-8

bar-chart-01
Elevation Limit

hardy to 7,200 ft.

View more plants

Prickly Thrift
Prickly Thrift

Acantholimon glumaceum

Serbian Yarrow
Serbian Yarrow

Achillea ageratifolia subsp. serbica

Coronation Gold Yarrow
Coronation Gold Yarrow

Achillea 'Coronation Gold'

Moonshine Yarrow
Moonshine Yarrow

Achillea 'Moonshine'

Snow-on-the-Mountain
Snow-on-the-Mountain

Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum'

Sonoran Sunset Hyssop
Sonoran Sunset Hyssop

Agastache cana 'Sinning'

Sunset Hyssop
Sunset Hyssop

Agastache rupestris

Blue Fortune Hyssop
Blue Fortune Hyssop

Agastache 'Blue Fortune'

Parry's Agave
Parry's Agave

Agave parryi ssp. neomexicana

Lady's Mantle
Lady's Mantle

Alchemilla mollis