Lead Plant (Amorpha canescens)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Amorpha canescens is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1.5 m (5ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant tasting yellow-coloured tea. — An infusion of the dried leaves makes a pleasant tasting yellow-coloured tea.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry sandy prairies, hills and woodland. (Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)