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.