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.

Dense green shrub with elongated leaves in a garden setting.
Close-up of a plant with purple and yellow flower spikes and green leaves.
Close-up of purple flower spikes with yellow stamens.
Close-up of green elliptical leaves arranged in pairs on a stem.
Lush green shrub with fern-like leaves and a partially visible engraved plaque.
A lush, green shrub with compound leaves, set against a distant view of mountains and a cloudy sky.
Close-up of a plant with green compound leaves and clusters of small green flower buds.
Acacia leaves in varying shades of green and yellow with a background of dark green trees.
Leafless shrub with intertwined branches and a small sign at the base.

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
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Botanic Name

Amorpha fruticosa

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Pronunciation

a-MOR-fa froo-tih-KOH-suh

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Mature Height

4 to 10 ft.

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Mature Spread

8 to 10 ft.

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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.

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Flower Color

purple with orange centers

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Bloom time

summer

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Colorado Native

Yes

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Natural Habitat

North America

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Light Requirements

sun, part shade

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Cold Hardiness

USDA zones 2-8

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Elevation Limit

hardy to 6,000 ft.

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