Amorpha canescens
A low, woody perennial of the prairie, forming compact shrubs with finely divided, grey-green foliage that gives the plant a soft, silvery cast. Slender upright spikes of deep violet flowers appear in early to midsummer, each floret tipped with a bright orange anther. Plants develop a deep, resilient root system and show notable tolerance for drought, heat, and poor soils. Growth is slow to establish but long lived once settled. Foliage remains tidy through the season and can carry subtle autumn tones.
Growing Conditions
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry to average
Soil: well drained; tolerates sandy, gravelly, or lean soils
Hardiness zone: 3
Maintenance: low; cut back in early spring to encourage fresh growth; allow time to establish
Size & Habit
Height (cm): 90
Spread (cm): 90
Habit: low, woody, clump-forming subshrub
Seasonal Interest
Flowering period: June–July
Seasonal interest: silvery foliage in spring and summer; early to midsummer bloom; subtle autumn tones
Foliage: grey-green
Flower: violet with orange anthers
Ecology & Notes
Wildlife value: excellent pollinator plant; attracts bees and beneficial insects
Deer/Rabbit resistance: moderate
Habitat: prairie-style plantings; dry borders; gravel gardens; naturalistic meadows
Features: silvery foliage; deep violet flower spikes with orange anthers; drought tolerant; long lived
Notes: slow to mature but highly durable; deep root system provides drought resilience; foliage gives a soft, silvery texture