River Locust (Amorpha fruticosa)

River Locust is an ideal choice for food forests and ecological restoration projects due to its ability to kickass in any environment. Its nitrogen-fixing abilities improve soil fertility, while its dense root system stabilizes soil and prevents erosion. The shrub provides forage and shelter for pollinators and wildlife, enhancing ecosystem health. Its resilience in poor soils and flood-prone areas makes it a valuable addition to integrated farmsteads and other perennial projects.

River Locust grows as a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub with a rounded form. It leafs out in spring with pinnate, feathery leaves that provide a lush, green canopy. By late spring to early summer, it produces dense spikes of small, purple flowers that give way to seed pods in the fall. This shrub grows rapidly, establishing itself in difficult soils and spreading through suckers to form dense thickets.

Size at Maturity- Shrub layer. Grows to 6-12 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide.

Current Size- Large 2'-3' 2 year old seedling. These Grew to 8 feet and we had to cut them back to fit in storage.

Native to North America, the River Locust is used in stabilizing riverbanks and preventing erosion. Its eye catching, fragrant purple flowers are a magnet for pollinators, while its ability to fix nitrogen enriches the soil for neighbouring plants. Commonly used in agroforestry and restoration projects, this plant provides habitat for wildlife and serves as a nurse plant for young trees in reforestation efforts.