One of the few shrubs found in the prairie, Leadplant produces six-inch long spikes covered with iridescent purple and orange flowers. Grows on a variety of soils, but does particularly well on dry, sandy sites. A member of the legume, or pea family, it produces a very deep root that incorporates nitrogen from the air into the soil.
Plants reach a maximum height of three feet.
Takes two or three years for transplants to mature.