Prefers a light well-drained sandy soil in sun or light shade[1, 200]. Tolerant of poor dry soils, plants can be invasive in rich soils[200]. Wind resistant[200]. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25c[184, 200] but it frequently dies down to ground level in the winter, resprouting from the base in the following spring[182]. A very ornamental plant[1]. A deep rooted plant, it thrives best in hot, droughty seasons[11]. It only ripens its seed in fine autumns[11]. Immune to insect pests, the plant contains its own insecticide[200]. At one time this plant was supposed to indicate the presence of lead in the soil[182]. There is some confusion over the correct author of the Latin name of this plant. It is probably Pursh. as stated on the top of this sheet, but some books cite Nutt. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 8 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is multistemmed with multiple stems from the crown [1-2]. The root pattern is a tap root similar to a carrot going directly down [1-2]. The root pattern is suckering with new plants from underground runners away from the plant [1-2].