Genus: Baptisia

Common Names: wild indigo, false indigo

Description coming soon.

Distribution: woodland and grassland habitats from Eastern Canada to the Southern U.S.

Baptisia alba

Common name(s): white wild indigo, white false indigo

Description: perennial; an herb used by many first nations peoples and early settlers to make blue dye before true indigo was commonly available. Baptisia alba is found in open woodlands and grasslands in central and eastern North America. Long lupine-like spikes of white flowers in late spring that become decorative seed pods by late summer. Incredibly drought-tolerant and cold hardy; a very low-maintenance perennial. 

Height: to 4 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators, dyeing, dried floral arrangements

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Distribution: SE U.S.

Baptisia australis

Common name(s): blue wild indigo, blue false indigo

Description: perennial; an herb used by many first nations peoples and early settlers to make blue dye before true indigo was commonly available. Baptisia australis is found in open woodlands and grasslands in central and eastern North America. Long lupine-like spikes of blue-purple flowers in late spring that become decorative seed pods by late summer. Incredibly drought-tolerant and cold hardy; a very low-maintenance perennial. 

Height: to 4 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators, dyeing, dried floral arrangements

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 3+ months of summer drought

Distribution: Central and East U.S.