Baptisia tinctoria
Yellow Wild Indigo
General
An herbaceous perennial native to North America. It typically grows in open woodlands, prairies, and along roadsides. Valued for its ornamental appeal and ability to attract pollinators, making it a popular choice for wildflower gardens and naturalized landscapes.
Plant Description
This species has a compact, upright growth habit reaching about two feet tall, adorned with trifoliate leaves. Its bright yellow, pea-like flowers bloom in dense clusters atop sturdy stems during late spring and early summer, complemented by attractive inflated seed pods later in the season. This perennial herbaceous plant adds a splash of vibrant color and structural interest to natural habitats and gardens alike.
Height (ft)
2-3 ft
Soil moisture
Medium to dry
Soil types
Gravel, sandy or well-drained loamy soils. High tolerance of acidic soils.
Wetland indicator
FACU
Shade tolerance
Full Sun to part shade
Bloom color
Yellow
Bloom period
June-July
Drought tolerance
Tolerant
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Southern VT, sthrn NH, sthrn ME, and MA, RI, CT, eastern NY, NJ, PA to SC.
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 National Plant Materials Center, Native Americans would use the bark and roots steeped in water as an antiseptic for wounds. It has purgative, emetic properties as well as an immune system stimulant. A yellow dye was also made from this species.