False Indigo Bush
False indigo bush is a loosely shaped shrub with an irregular form. Its best attribute is its compound leaves.
The graceful leaflets are bright green, turning yellowish in the fall. False indigo bush produces spikes of small, tubular purple and flowers in July, but they are not very noticeable.
Seedlings and sprouts from runners may need to be removed to control the spread. Does not have much winter interest.
False Indigo Bush
False indigo bush is a loosely shaped shrub with an irregular form. Its best attribute is its compound leaves.
The graceful leaflets are bright green, turning yellowish in the fall. False indigo bush produces spikes of small, tubular purple and flowers in July, but they are not very noticeable.
Seedlings and sprouts from runners may need to be removed to control the spread. Does not have much winter interest.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Amorpha fruticosa
Pronunciation
a-MOR-fa froo-tih-KOH-suh
Mature Height
4 to 10 ft.
Mature Spread
8 to 10 ft.
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.
Flower Color
purple with orange centers
Bloom time
summer
Colorado Native
Yes
Natural Habitat
North America
Light Requirements
sun, part shade
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 2-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 6,000 ft.
Performance
False indigo bush is located in the low water zone at the Water Wise Demonstration Garden.
In nature, it usually grows in sandier soil with more water than is available at the garden. However, these shrubs have proven to be drought tolerant.
They sometimes experience winterkill of branches, and occasionally there are infestations of aphids on the leaves and shoots. They reseed themselves. Will regrow if the branches are cut to ground level.
False indigo bush can be a good option for a site where it is difficult to get anything to grow. It has proven to be quite resilient.
Maintenance
False indigo bush branches often die back over the winter. These should be pruned out as needed.
It also gets aphids regularly. Seedlings and sprouts from runners may need to be removed to control the spread.
Don't plant it in an area where its spreading will be a problem.