Amorpha fruticosa

Amorpha fruticosa is a shrub native across the southeast, predominantly found in wetland habitats. It grows best in full sun sites, with soils that are moist to wet. This shrub is in the bean family, and has the characteristic pinnately-compound leaves. It is deciduous. Long stalks of blue/purple flowers bloom in the summer and attract pollinators. Large seed pods mature later in the season, and provide winter interest. It is also a host plant for several native butterfly species. This plant often spreads through suckers and can form a thicket. Amorpha fruticosa is a great plant for restoration projects.