Amorpha fruticosa (False Indigo Bush) Unity Grown

Amorpha fruticosa, commonly called false indigo (though not to be confused with any Baptisia) is a large deciduous shrub native to large swathes of the eastern United States, from Florida north to Canada. Characterized by large, compound, pinnate leaves and 3-6" long spikes of fragrant, purple-toned flowers with orange centers, Amorpha fruticosa can reach sizes of 4-15' tall and wide, making it quite the standout feature for landscapes. Sweet-scented flowers bloom from mid spring to early summer, and are highly attractive to a number of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. Beyond its flowers, false indigo bush foliage also plays host to a number of butterfly larvae, including caterpillars for the silver-spotted skipper (Epargyreus clarus) and the hoary edge butterfly (Achalarus lyciades) which is uncommon in Maryland.

Hardy and versatile, Amorpha fruticosa can grow in almost any soil condition thanks to its suckering roots, including dry, nutrient poor soils and sand and even drenched, heavy clay soils, and will do well almost anywhere it's provided with full sun. False indigo bush contains the same distasteful chemicals that make false indigo (Baptisia) resistant to deer damage, and additional tolerance to salt spray, erosion, and poorly draining soils makes Amorpha fruticosa an excellent choice for the Chesapeake region. Due to its size and its tendency to self-seed over time, it's important to choose a good planting location for your false indigo bush, as some have reported that these gorgeous shrubs can create thickets or become weedy over time. These qualities also make false indigo bush an excellent choice for wetland restoration projects and for naturalized borders or screens.