Amorpha canescens ‘Nana'
A compact selection of leadplant, forming low, rounded mounds of finely divided, grey-green foliage. The dwarf habit keeps the plant tight and restrained, with the same silvery texture and summer flower spikes characteristic of the species. Violet blooms with orange anthers rise just above the foliage in early to midsummer. Plants establish slowly but develop deep, resilient root systems and show strong tolerance for drought, heat, and lean soils. Well suited to smaller spaces or foreground positions in prairie-style plantings.
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; allow time to establish
Size & Habit
Height (cm): 45
Spread (cm): 60
Habit: low, compact, woody subshrub
Seasonal Interest
Flowering period: June–July
Seasonal interest: silvery foliage through summer; early to midsummer bloom; subtle autumn tones
Foliage: grey-green
Flower: violet with orange anthers
Ecology & Notes
Wildlife value: attractive to bees and beneficial insects
Deer/Rabbit resistance: moderate
Habitat: prairie-style borders; gravel gardens; dry foreground plantings; naturalistic meadows
Features: dwarf habit; silvery foliage; violet flower spikes with orange anthers; drought tolerant
Notes: retains the species’ durability in a reduced scale; slow to mature but long lived