Amorpha fruticosa

Bastard Indigobush

The Bastard Indigobush (Amorpha fruticosa) is a perennial shrub native to alternately humid areas of North America. It is characterised by its upright growth habit and an average height of 1 to 4 metres. The leaves of the bastard indigo are pinnate and consist of numerous small, oval leaflets. The inflorescences are striking with dense, purple or violet flowers and prominent yellow stamens. They give off a pleasant fragrance and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In autumn, black seeds develop from the inflorescences in pods that remain on the plant for a long time. Amorpha fruticosa is also called "false indigo" because the first settlers in America used the flowers as a dye, as true indigo was not available.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Amorpha fruticosa has the potential to alter riverbank systems and suppress native plant species, for example Salix species. In addition, the Bastard Indigobush enriches the soil with nitrogen and can thus reduce biodiversity.

Region of origin

North America

Introduction vectors

Horticulture

The Bastard Indigobush was often planted in gardens, parks and along roads as an ornamental shrub

Botanical gardens

Original importation in botanical gardens and as an ornamental plant

Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The legumes (Fabaceae) are one of the largest plant families with over 730 genera and about 19,400 species. Typical of this family is the legume, which opens at maturity to release the seeds. It includes annual and perennial herbaceous plants as well as shrubs, trees and lianas. Some species have the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, which makes them important plants in agriculture and soil improvement. Well-known representatives are peas, beans, lentils, soy and peanuts, but also ornamental plants such as wisteria and laburnum.

Climate change

Amorpha fruticosa has not yet filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It benefits from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will increase. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, winter precipitation, autumn precipitation, rail infrastructure and the diversity of different land use types.

Positive effects

Because of its drought resistance and strong root penetration, the Bastard Indigobush has often been planted specifically to protect soils that are at risk of erosion. The flowers are also extremely popular with bees and butterflies.
Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Amorpha fruticosa where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here  beschrieben.

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.