All the species are native to North America, from southern Canada, most of the United States (US), and northern Mexico.

The species is considered a rare species in the US state of West Virginia and in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, but is considered an invasive plant in some areas of the northeastern and northwestern United States and in southeastern Canada, beyond its native range, and has also been introduced into Europe.

The lead plant (Amorpha canescens), a bushy shrub, is an important North American prairie legume.

Lead plant is often associated with little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), a common prairie grass.

Native Americans used the dried leaves of lead plant for pipe smoking and tea.