False Indigo (Amorpha Fruiticosa) is common in moist prairie thickets and along streams and rivers in prairies throughout the Tallgrass Region. Not as common east of Illinois. Large, bushy shrubs can reach 10 feet, generally 5 to 6 feet. Blooms from late spring to midsummer. Also known as Desert False Indigo, Indigobush, and Indigo Bush.
Amorpha from the Greek amorphos meaning "without shape" which refers to the flower having only one petal. Legume.
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Sun Exposure | Savanna, Prairie |
Soil Moisture | Mesic, Wet Mesic, Dry Mesic |
Bloom Time | Late Spring, Summer June, July, August |
Bloom Color | Purple |
Max. Height | 10 Feet |
Wetland Code | FACW+ |
Germ Code | C(10), I |
Seeds Per Packet | 100 |
Seeds Per Ounce | 3,700 |
Edible Uses: The crushed fruit is used as a condiment.
Medicinal Uses: No known medicinal uses reported.