| Common Name | Latin Name | Plant Family |
|---|---|---|
|
Lead Plant |
Amorpha canescens |
Leguminosae |
Plants have an extensive root system, they tolerate poor dry soils and are also wind resistant, they are used as a windbreak and also to prevent soil erosion[200].
Resinous pustules on the plant contain ‘amorpha’, a contact and stomachic insecticide that also acts as an insect repellent[57, 200].
Cultivation & Habitat
Seed – presoak for 12 hours in warm water and sow early spring in a greenhouse[78, 133]. The seed usually germinates in 1 – 2 months at 20¡c[133]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, June/July in a frame. High percentage[78].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, autumn, in a sheltered position outdoors. Takes 12 months[78].
Suckers in spring just before new growth begins[200].
Layering in spring .
Prefers a light well-drained sandy soil in sun or light shade[1, 200]. Tolerant of poor dry soils, plants can be invasive in rich soils[200]. Wind resistant[200].
A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25c[184, 200] but it frequently dies down to ground level in the winter, resprouting from the base in the following spring[182].
A very ornamental plant[1].
A deep rooted plant, it thrives best in hot, droughty seasons[11]. It only ripens its seed in fine autumns[11].
Immune to insect pests, the plant contains its own insecticide[200].
At one time this plant was supposed to indicate the presence of lead in the soil[182].
There is some confusion over the correct author of the Latin name of this plant. It is probably Pursh. as stated on the top of this sheet, but some books cite Nutt.
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].
Eastern N. America – Indiana to Minnesota and Manitoba, south to Kansas and New Mexico.
Become ungovernable, break the chains of the matrix; grow and forage your own food and medicine.
*None of the information on this website qualifies as professional medical advice. Take only what resonates with your heart and use your own personal responsibility for what’s best for you. For more information [brackets] [000], see bibliography.