SafePlants

Georgia False Indigo (Amorpha georgiana)

The Georgia False Indigo, scientifically known as Amorpha georgiana, is a shrub belonging to the genus Amorpha. It is closely related to other plants known as False Indigo, including the Desert False Indigo (Amorpha fruticosa) and Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Amorpha georgiana Wilbur
• Common Name: Georgia False Indigo
• Family: Not explicitly stated in the text.
• Synonyms/Varieties:
  • Amorpha georgiana var. georgiana Wilbur – Georgia False Indigo, Georgia Lead-plant
  • Amorpha georgiana var. confusa Wilbur – Georgia False Indigo, Carolina
  • Amorpha cyanostachya (previously considered a synonym)
• Rank: Variety (e.g., Amorpha georgiana var. confusa is a variety)

Distribution and Habitat

• Amorpha georgiana var. aberrans is native to Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
• Other False Indigo species, like Baptisia australis, are found in open woods, river banks, and sandy floodplains from New York to Nebraska to Georgia.

Morphological Characteristics

• False indigo-bush (likely referring to Amorpha fruticosa or a related species) is described as a 6-10 ft., loose, airy shrub that often forms dense thickets. It can develop a leggy appearance with pinnately compound leaves.

Ecological Role

• Some varieties of Georgia False Indigo are endangered species.

Genetic Information

• Research has focused on characterizing polymorphic microsatellite markers to aid in conservation management plans for Amorpha georgiana var. georgiana. This genetic information is valuable for understanding the population structure and genetic diversity of this rare plant.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for gardening tips.
• Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Amorpha georgiana.