Amorpha canescens (Lead Plant)
| Also known as: | Shoestrings |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Amorpha |
| Family: | Fabaceae (Pea) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | sun; dry fields, prairies |
| Bloom season: | late spring, summer |
| Plant height: | 1 to 3 feet |
| USDA PLANTS database: | Minnesota county distribution map |
| Spotted in Ramsey County at: |
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Detailed Information
- Flower:
![[photo of flower]](/udata/r9ndp23q/purple/lead-plant-100_9665-t.jpg)
Dense spike cluster 1 to 4 inches long of many small tubular flowers with protruding orange-tipped stamens (not the typical shape for a member of the Pea family). Individual flowers are less than ¼ inch long. Flower color ranges from light purple to deep blue-purple. One plant may have several clusters
- Leaves:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/purple/lead-plant-100_9679-t.jpg)
Compound leaves may have as many as 50 leaflets. Each leaflet is about ¾ inch long and is generally oval, rounded at both ends. Leaves are covered in fine gray hairs, giving them a wooly grayish appearance.
- Notes:
- Lead Plant tends to grow in clumps. According to my field guide, Lead Plant can live for centuries and not grow larger than 3 feet tall.
![[photo of flower]](/udata/r9ndp23q/purple/lead-plant-100_9665.jpg)
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/purple/lead-plant-100_9679.jpg)
More photos
clump of plantsPhotos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN, June 2007.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
Posted by: Sara in Brainerd, Crow Wing County
on: 2010-07-22 14:14:13
on: 2010-07-22 14:14:13
I just noticed a new plant along the road, in between ours & the nieghbors' property, near the Gull Lake Dam. Great website, I found the flower right away!
Posted by: Emily in Maple Grove
on: 2010-07-25 13:53:18
on: 2010-07-25 13:53:18
I think there are a bunch of these at the Maple Grove mall area. They're being used in flower arrangements. I took a photo and I've been trying to find out what it is.
on: 2008-06-08 17:26:28
You've helped me to name another plant. I took a picture of a lead plant by a pond in Waite Park on one of my walks last year. Waite Park is in Stearns County.