Amorpha canescens is a small shrub, often less than 50 cm tall (rarely to 1 meter) with alternate compound leaves. Leaves, calyx and fruit are all densely pubescent with whitish hairs giving the plant a white or silvery look. The leaves have many (20+) small leaflets 8-15 mm long. It is usually found on prairies or other dry, sunny sites and is often included in prairie plantings.