Leadplant (Rabbit Cage) RPBB - Amorpha canescens

A classic prairie perennial, Lead Plant is a stunner. A small rounded shrub, Lead Plant features dramatic spikes of summerlong purple flowers with bright orange accents, and silvery-green foliage. Favored plant of the federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee and plenty of other pollinators, it is larval host to about 20 species of US caterpillars. It may also attract Sparrows, Orioles, Vireos and more. Preferring Sun and dry to average soils, its long tap root has been measured ten feet below-ground, making it resistant to fire and drought. Tasty and high in protein, rabbits love it. It also establishes slowly, so caging is encouraged. Soil Type: Clay/Loam/Sand/Gravel Soil Conditions: Average-Dry Flower Color: Violet Flower Time: June-August Height: 3' Light: Sun/Part-Sun Features: Birds, Pollinators, Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Larval Host Credits: Info courtesy IllinoisWildflowers.Info; photo courtesy Sarah Michehl.