False Indigo. Lead-Plant
Amorpha Californica, Nutt. Pea Family
Shrubs three to over eight feet high. Leaves.—Mostly alternate; with stipules; pinnate. Leaflets.—One inch long; five to nine or more pairs. Flower-spikes.—Two to six inches long. Flowers.—Black-purple; two and a half lines long. Calyx.—Half as long. Corolla.—With only one petal! (the standard); this erect and folded. Stamens.—Slightly united at base; exserted. Ovary.—One-celled. Pod.—Three lines long. (See Leguminosæ.) Hab.—The Coast Ranges, from Marin County to San Diego.
This shrub or small tree is remarkable for its sickeningly fragrant foliage. The small blossoms, taken individually, are inconspicuous, but when seen in masses, sprinkling the foliage with black and gold, they are quite effective.