Baptisia australis Wild Blue Indigo

General

Commonly known as blue wild indigo, is a striking perennial plant native to North America. It features tall spikes adorned with clusters of deep blue, pea-like flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators like butterflies. Its attractive foliage consists of bluish-green leaves that add texture and color to garden borders or naturalized landscapes.

Plant Description

This species presents tall spikes adorned with clusters of vivid deep blue, pea-like flowers that bloom from late spring through early summer. Its robust, bluish-green foliage forms an attractive backdrop to the blossoms, adding texture and color to garden borders or naturalized landscapes. This North American native perennial is not only visually striking but also attracts pollinators like butterflies with its abundant blooms.

Height (ft)
3-4 ft

Soil moisture
Well drained, slightly dry

Soil types
Wide range of soil types as long as well drained

Wetland indicator
FACU

Shade tolerance
Intolerant, Full Sun

Bloom color
Deep blue/violet

Bloom period
Late spring to early summer

Drought tolerance
Highly drought tolerant

Salinity tolerance
Low to moderate

 

Range

Found growing naturally in states from New York and Pennsylvania south to Georgia and west to Arkansas and eastern Kansas.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information

According to USDA NRCS Kansas Plant Material Center, the Cherokee used this species as a source for blue dye as well as when made into a hot tea it would serve as a purgative and a cold tea served as a nausea preventative. Osage made an eyewash from this plant. The pulverized root when held over a sore tooth would aid in tooth aches. The seed pods were often used as children's rattles.