Lead Plant

"Leadplant is a native tallgrass prairie perennial legume found in the Fabaceae family. It is readily recognized by its silver-gray leaves and bright purple flowers. Leadplant has a raceme inflorescence type. It can also be found near wooded areas. Leadplant is drought and salt resistant but cannot tolerate flooding and shade.

Leadplant flowers from May to July.

Leadplant is considered to be one of the most important prairie legumes.

Its foliage is high in nutrient content and is eaten by cattle and white-tailed deer. Many butterflies use it as a larval host. Its abundance can be used to assess the health of rangelands. Native Americans used it as a beverage, for smoking, a treatment for eczema, pinworms, stomach pain, rheumatism and neuralgia."

- The Prairie Project