Amorpha fruticosa L. - False Indigo

Amorpha fruticosa plant

Family - Fabaceae

Stems:

N/A

Leaves:

Amorpha fruticosa leaf

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Amorpha fruticosa flowers

Flowering - May - June.

Habitat - Streambanks, pond margins, open wet woods.

Origin - Native to North America.

Other information - This shrubby species can be found throughout Alabama. The plant is quite striking and is popular in cultivation. The plant is easily identified in the field because of its pinnate leaves, woody stems, and indigo-colored flowers.
Amorpha is Latin for "without form" referring to the flowers. fruticosa comes from the Latin "frut" meaning "shrub."

Alabama Distribution:

Amorpha fruticosa map

Photographs taken in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Shannon County, MO., 5-19-03.


Thumbnail Page

Species List