Featured Native Shrub: False Indigo
We always encourage landowners and landscapers to plant species of trees and shrubs that are not only native to our region but that are aesthetically pleasing and a little different than the usual suspects.
There are many shrub species from which to choose, but our struggles with deer and their excessive appetites often limit our willingness to experiment. One native shrub that is underutilized in our region is False Indigo, Amorpha fruticosa. We selected this shrub to accompany a butterfly garden next to the informational kiosk at our Waterloo Mills Preserve.
As you can see from the photos below, the bloom is spectacular. This shrub does have a tendency to produce suckers (meaning it will spread), but if planted in the right place, you’ll be able to enjoy its blooms for decades. Most commonly occurring in alluvial soils along streams, rivers and other low, moist areas, False Indigo also does quite well in other places. Try growing it if you are looking for a different native shrub to incorporate into your landscape or garden.
