Platte Co. Extension Happenings
June 2026
WOW -- Not so Amorphous Amorpha
by Justin Evertson, Nebraska Forest Service
I was recently in downtown Denver for a tree conference at the CSU Spur campus which features some impressive demonstration gardens. Three shrubby species that stuck out prominently in the “backyard garden” were from the genus amorpha: False Indigo (Amorpha fruticosa), Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) and Dwarf Indigo (Amorpha nana). Although these shrubs are generally not found together in nature, they combined well together in this garden and they all deserve greater use in the Great Plains landscape. They are also all pollinator magnets!! They are the Woodies of the Week (WOW).
Amorphas are plants in the pea family (legumes), primarily native to North America. They are collectively referred to as false indigoes since they resemble the indigo shrubs of the Indian subcontinent, which were the original source for indigo (blue) dyes. The genus name Amorpha means “deformed” or “without form” in Greek and refers to the flowers that have only one petal and which are missing the wing and keel petals common to most legumes.
False Indigo (Amorpha fruticosa) is the tallest growing of the Amorphas, typically growing 4 to 8’ tall, with a leggy spread often wider than the height. The plant, which is sometimes called indigo bush amorpha, is native to moist areas including pond edges and stream banks, across much of the eastern US and reaching west into the Rocky Mountains and southwest US. Although it’s a wetland species, it’s fairly drought tolerant when established. The plant features compound leaves and fragrant, dark purple/red flower spikes dotted with yellow stamens. As with the other Amorphas, these flowers are a magnet to a wide variety of pollinators including bees, beetles, and butterflies. Although it’s perennially woody, false indigo becomes “leggy” overtime and needs to be occasionally cut back to the ground and allowed to resprout.
Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) is a perennial plant common to the tall and mixed-grass prairies of the central US, including the prairies of Nebraska. Pioneer settlers often called it prairie shoestring or buffalo bellows plant. It’s a subshrub meaning that it has a perennial woody base but much of the top typically dies back in the winter, making it fire adapted and one of the few shrubs of the prairie (New Jersey Tea is another prairie sub-shrub). Leadplant is thought to be commonly named for its compound leaves which appear “leaden” due to their densely hairy and whitish nature. The species name canescens means off-white in reference to the whitish or gray leaves. It was also thought (falsely) that the plants grew where lead was present. Leadplant typically grows 2-4’ tall and somewhat sprawling. It features similar flower spikes that are typically more blue in color. Like it’s cousin false indigo, the flowers are a magnet to pollinators.
Dwarf False Indigo (Amorpha nana) is often called fragrant false indigo, and is another subshrub somewhat similar to leadplant. Dwarf indigo is native to the upper Midwest including northern Nebraska, the Dakotas and Minnesota and is a mounding plant growing 1-3’ tall and wide. It’s typically found in dry prairies and rocky or gravelly, open soils. It’s the most drought tolerant of the Amorphas. Unlike leadplant, it has smooth, dark green leaves. Its flower spikes are a dark pink to purple and noticeably fragrant, and born in single spikes, unlike leadplant and false indigo which are often in multi-spikes. The flowers are usually crawling with a wide variety of bees, beetles and other pollinators.
- Turfgrass industry overview
- Best mowing, fertility, and irrigation practices
- Development of site-specific tailored lawn management guide
- Begin the course at any time!
This curriculum introduces learners to the best practices that support successful, science based lawncare. The course begins with an overview of the turfgrass industry and key terminology used to describe turf stands, giving learners a strong foundation for understanding how lawns grow and respond to management. Learners will examine how home irrigation systems work and learn to identify common problems, sources of water loss, and opportunities to improve efficiency. The course emphasizes matching irrigation delivery to precipitation, seasonal conditions, and turfgrass growth needs to reduce waste while maintaining turf health.
Leslie Johnson - Animal Manure Management Extension Educator --
Visitors to the 2026 North American Manure Expo being held at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wayne, Nebraska on July 28-30 will have the chance to explore some of the region’s most innovative and sustainability‑focused agricultural operations during the event’s official tour day on July 28, 2026. All tours will begin and end at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, offering participants a convenient launch point for a day of hands‑on learning.
Organizers have curated five tours, each highlighting different aspects of manure management and livestock production, as well as conservation and agricultural innovation in Nebraska. Participants will have the option of choosing one or two half-day long tours or one full-day tour. While the full day tour is the “family friendly” option, families are welcome on any of the tours.
Herbs, spices, citrus juice, and zest add fabulous flavor and color to food without adding salt, fat, or sugar.
1.5 pounds asparagus, gently rubbed under cold running water, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider, red wine, or balsamic)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or other)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Rinse produce.
3. In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and cook asparagus for 3-4 minutes or until tender.
4. Strain asparagus and place in a bowl of cold water.
5. Mix vinegar, oil, mustard, garlic powder, basil, oregano, and nutmeg (optional) together in a separate bowl.
6. Strain asparagus again once cool and coat in the mustard vinaigrette dressing. Serve.
7. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Notes: Instead of boiling asparagus, asparagus can be tossed with the vinegar and oil mixture and eaten raw.
Nutrition Information per Serving (1/3 of recipe): Calories 90 Total Fat 5g Saturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 120mg Total Carbohydrates 10g Fiber 5g Total Sugars 3g, includes 0g Added Sugars Protein 6g Vitamin D 0% Calcium 4% Iron 10% Potassium 10%
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