Downy False Indigo

Amorpha canescens

Pollinator Value

🐛 Larval Host: Automeris io, Achalarus lyciades, Dasylophia anguina, Thorybes pylades, Epargyreus clarus, Strymon melinus, Pleuroprucha insulsaria, Lithophane antennata, Iridopsis ephyraria, Hypena scabra
S13+S15 10 verified Eastern NA
🐝 Specialist Bee Host: Andrena quintilis, Hoplitis micheneri
S17 genus-level Amorpha specialists from Fowler

Proximity Score: 2
Native Status: ❌ Outaouais ❌ Ottawa ❌ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: SW
CEC Eco-Regions: 8 – Eastern Temperate Forests, 8.1 – Mixed Wood Plains, 8.1.6 – Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains
Rarity Notes: Critically imperiled in Ontario (S1), where it is restricted to southwestern prairie remnants. Nationally ranked N3 (Vulnerable) in Canada. Not listed under SARA or COSEWIC. The species is globally secure (G5) with its core range in the central United States prairies. Ontario populations represent the northeastern edge of its range.
S22 S1 ON, G5, N3; S26 not SARA listed; S1 native ON, MB only in Canada
Rarity Ranks: QC SNA – Not Applicable, ON S1 – Critically Imperiled
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: A characteristic shrub of dry upland prairies, sandy bluffs, and oak savanna remnants in the Great Lakes region. In Michigan, found locally in prairie openings, dry roadsides, and sandy clearings, often associated with Andropogon gerardii, Quercus velutina, Euphorbia corollata, and other prairie relict species. A nitrogen-fixing legume with an extensive deep root system, it thrives on droughty, nutrient-poor soils where it contributes to soil fertility and stabilization.
S7 prairie remnants, oak savanna associates; S4 dry prairies, rocky bluffs, open woodlands; S29 nitrogen fixer, deep roots, poor dry soils

Roles: Fire Retardant, Insectary Plant, Nitrogen Fixer, Pollinator Attractor
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fire Retardant: S73 [MEDIUM]: S11 Fire Tolerance = High (not definitional)] | Insectary Plant: S64 NPPBI 'beneficial insects' flag] | Nitrogen Fixer: S73 [HIGH]: S11 classified (S53 no signal, not contradictory)] | Pollinator Attractor: S73 [HIGH]: S64 Xerces listed (source-classified)]
Notes: A nitrogen-fixing legume that enriches soil for neighbouring plants, making it a valuable prairie guild member. Its deep taproot accesses nutrients and moisture unavailable to shallow-rooted companions, while its wind resistance makes it useful as a low shelterbelt component. Best paired with other dry prairie species in full sun. The plant's own insecticidal resin (amorpha) deters insect pests from nearby plantings.
S29 nitrogen fixer, wind resistant, insecticidal resin, deep roots; S3 prairie companions

Category: Anthelmintic, Dermatological Aid, Analgesic, Gastrointestinal Aid, Antirheumatic
S28 Meskwaki anthelmintic+dermatological; Ojibwa analgesic+gastrointestinal; Omaha analgesic+antirheumatic+dermatological
Notes: Meskwaki used leaf infusion to kill intestinal worms (pinworms) and to treat eczema. Southern Ojibwa took a root decoction for stomach pain. Omaha applied a moxa of twigs for neuralgia and rheumatism, and powdered dried leaves were blown into cuts and open wounds as a salve. All documented uses are from traditional Indigenous medicine of the Great Plains and Great Lakes peoples.
S28 11 Moerman records across Meskwaki, Oglala, Ojibwa South, Omaha; S29 confirms same uses

✅ Edible

Foraging Notes: Oglala people used dried leaves to make a hot tea. The infusion produces a pleasant-tasting, yellow-coloured beverage. This is a minor food use limited to traditional preparation as a tea substitute.
S28 Oglala Food, Beverage; S29 dried leaves make pleasant tasting yellow tea