| Indigo-bush is an uncommon shrub that grows along stream banks throughout North Carolina as well as 45 other states. The long racemes of purple flowers make Amorpha easy to recognize when in flower. Tall Indigo-bush is our most common, widespread, and largest Amorpha. There are at least three other species in North Carolina, including Appalachian Indigo-bush (Amorpha glabra).
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| The pinnately compound leaves have somewhat rounded elliptical leaflets. They could possibly be confused with Robinia pseudoacacia, but Amorpha lacks thorns. The USDA PLANTS database uses an inappropriate common name for this species - "desert false indigo". Durham, NC 5/1/10.
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| Durham, NC 5/1/10.
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| Durham, NC 5/1/10.
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| Durham, NC 5/1/10.
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| Durham, NC 5/1/10.
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| Seen up close, the flowers are a beautiful deep purple. Durham, NC 5/1/10.
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| Durham Co., NC 5/7/2011.
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| Durham Co., NC 5/7/2011.
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| Detail of rachis and petiolules. Durham Co., NC 5/7/2011.
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| New branches are green. There are long stipules at the base of the petiole. Durham, NC 5/1/10.
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| Durham Co., NC 5/7/2011.
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| Durham Co., NC 5/7/2011.
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| Bark detail. Durham, NC 5/1/10.
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