Amorpha canescens

The genus name “Amorpha” means “deformed one” and refers to this species lacking the characteristic pea-shaped flowers indicative of this family.  The species name “canescens” means “gray hair,” which refers to the downy leaves.  The name leadplant comes from the belief that lead, once sought after, could be found below the surface where this plant grows.  Not surprisingly, this is untrue.  Others claim that the name comes from the leaden (hairiness) appearance of the leaves.