Is Leadplant good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Leadplant is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

What should I know before planting Leadplant?

The main things to know: It suckers from the base or roots, so remove shoots to keep it in bounds.

How far apart do I plant Leadplant?

Space Leadplant about 4 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 3 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Leadplant hardy on the Front Range?

Leadplant is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Leadplant need?

It needs low water once established.

How fast does Leadplant grow?

Leadplant is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

Is Leadplant deer-resistant?

Leadplant is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

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Leadplant

Amorpha canescens

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-09-11

Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 2–4 ft tall and 2–4 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Nitrogen-fixing native legume; purple flower spikes in summer; deer-resistant.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water2–4 ft tall and 2–4 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: Jasper Shide, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Photo 2: NPS Photo, Wikimedia Commons (PD)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4–9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5–8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 2–4 ft tall and 2–4 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~4 ft apart (3 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: shortgrass prairie, foothills

Things to know before you plant

SuckersIt suckers from the base or roots, so remove shoots to keep it in bounds.

Planting & establishment

Deep root system makes mature plants very drought tolerant; deep-soak monthly first season.

Pruning: light.

Frequently asked questions

Is Leadplant good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Leadplant is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
What should I know before planting Leadplant?: The main things to know: It suckers from the base or roots, so remove shoots to keep it in bounds.
How big does Leadplant get?: It matures to about 2–4 ft tall and 2–4 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Leadplant?: Space Leadplant about 4 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 3 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Leadplant hardy on the Front Range?: Leadplant is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Leadplant need?: It needs low water once established.
How fast does Leadplant grow?: Leadplant is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
Is Leadplant native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
Is Leadplant deer-resistant?: Leadplant is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.