Amorpha ouachitensis Wilbur

Taxonomic Classification

Amorpha ouachitensis Wilbur is an uncommon North American flowering plant in the legume family. Its common names are Ouachita leadplant, Ouachita Mountain leadplant, Ouachita false indigo, and Ouachita indigobush.

Native Range

This species is native to the United States, specifically to the Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Oklahoma Distribution

In Oklahoma, it is found in Le Flore, McCurtain, and Pushmataha Counties.

Arkansas Distribution

In Arkansas, it occurs in Conway, Garland, Logan, Montgomery, and Polk Counties, including in the Sugarloaf Mountains-Midland Peak Natural Area.

Growth Form

Amorpha ouachitensis is a shrub that can grow up to about 2 meters, or 80 inches, tall.

Leaf Structure

It produces compound leaves, each made up of multiple oval leaflets.

Flower Characteristics

Its inflorescence holds many individual flowers, which have purple petals and yellow anthers.

Habitat

This plant grows in clearings and on rocky slopes, very often near streams or on floodplains.

Associated Plant Species

It is found growing alongside other plant species including Calamovilfa arcuata, Streptanthus squamiformis, and Gaura demareei.

Threats

The species is currently threatened by changes to its native habitat.