Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Piedmont Indigo-bush (Amorpha schwerinii)

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Piedmont Indigo-bush (Amorpha schwerinii)

Piedmont Indigo-bush is a rare shrub that grows in the western Piedmont region of North Carolina, generally in rocky woodlands. It is endemic to the southeastern states and is almost entirely restricted to the Piedmont region. This is a medium-sized shrub, generally 1-2 meters tall, with an open habit. Compare with the larger and much more common Tall Indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa) and the rare Appalachian Indigo-bush (Amorpha glabra).

Dark Mountain, Uwharrie National Forest, Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Piedmont Indigo-bush (Amorpha schwerinii)

Dark Mountain, Uwharrie National Forest, Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Piedmont Indigo-bush (Amorpha schwerinii)

The flowering structure, a terminal raceme, just beginning to develop.

Dark Mountain, Uwharrie National Forest, Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Piedmont Indigo-bush (Amorpha schwerinii)

Dark Mountain, Uwharrie National Forest, Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Piedmont Indigo-bush (Amorpha schwerinii)

Dark Mountain, Uwharrie National Forest, Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Piedmont Indigo-bush (Amorpha schwerinii)

Remnants of seed pods from the previous year.

Dark Mountain, Uwharrie National Forest, Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Piedmont Indigo-bush (Amorpha schwerinii)

Bark of older and younger stems.

Dark Mountain, Uwharrie National Forest, Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

More information:
Shrubs of the Southeastern United States

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