Indigo Bush(Amorpha fruticosa) 20 Seeds
Zones 4-8
Soil pH 6.1-8.5 (neutral to basic)
Indigo bush is a deciduous nitrogen fixing shrub in the legume family. It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant. It has minor edible use and some additional uses including: Bedding; Dye; Insecticide; Oil; Repellent; Shelterbelt; and Soil stabilization. Common names, including desert false indigo, false indigo-bush, and bastard indigobush.
Uses: Soil improvement (nitrogen fixing), Beneficial insect, bee, hummingbird attraction. The consumability of this plant is controversial. The fruits may be used after crushing as a condiment but I have not found a 1st person account of this. Medicially(do your own research) it contains cannabinoid like compounds as well as compounds that act like a contact insecticide (rotenoids). All in all, I wouldn't eat it. It's beauty and insect attractant nature makes it a winner in permaculture design.
How to grow: Soak seeds for 24 hours in warm water. This can be done by using warm water initially then setting container on a heat mat. Alternatively, place container in your oven with the interior light on and the oven off. Be careful not to forget they are there if you need to pre-heat the oven for another use. Place soaked seeds in a zip lock bag and put in your refrigerator for 30-60 days. Watch for germination during that time and plant in pots those seed that have germinated.