Amorpha fruticosa L.

Growth Form

Amorpha fruticosa L. is a perennial shrub. It is a glandular, thornless shrub that can reach 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) in height, and can spread to twice that measurement in width.

Morphological Variability

This species has somewhat variable morphology.

Leaf Structure

Its leaves are composed of many hairy, oval-shaped leaflets with spine tips.

Inflorescence and Flower Characteristics

The inflorescence is a spike-shaped raceme that holds many flowers; each flower has a single purple petal and ten protruding stamens with yellow anthers.

Fruit Structure

Its fruit is a legume pod that contains one or two seeds.

Native Range

The native range of Amorpha fruticosa covers most of the United States and extends south into Mexico.

Native Habitats

Its native habitats include the edges of streams and ponds, open woods, roadsides, and canyons.

Introduced Range

This species has escaped cultivation in other areas outside its native range, and exists as an introduced species in Europe, Asia, and other continents.

Cultivation Status

It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant, and some wild populations may be descended from plants that escaped from garden cultivation.

Invasive Status

It is considered invasive in Georgia.

Larval Host Role

Ecologically, Amorpha fruticosa is a larval host plant for the clouded sulphur, gray hairstreak, hoary edge, Io moth, marine blue, silver-spotted skipper, and southern dogface.

Seed Predation

Its abundant seeds are a food source for bobwhite quail.

Nectar Source

Both bees and butterflies use its flowers as a source of nectar.