Mark Kane
Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
Baptisia
Plant Common Name
False Indigo
General Description
The genus Baptisia is comprised of around 20 species of North American wildflowers. They are mostly herbaceous perennials that die back every year and all exist in eastern North America. Commonly known as false or wild indigos, these plants have upright clusters of blooms that add interest to perennial gardens and wildflower plantings. Some species were used medicinally and for dye by Native American tribe’s people.
The plants form substantial mounds and shrubby clumps of foliage in spring. The leaf stems are generally upright, well-branched and lined with trifoliate (three-parted) compound leaves which are alternate. Leaf color may be green, blue-green or gray-green.
Spikes of pea-like flowers appear atop the branches. They are usually in shades of violet-blue, purple, white or yellow. The flowers are typically pollinated by insects, particularly bees. The fruits are inflated pods that become woody and rattle-like as they dry. These can have decorative appeal for dried floral arrangements.
Several Baptisia species and cultivars are popular garden plants. Yellow wild indigo (Baptisia sphaerocarpa) is a southern native with attractive yellow pea flowers and blue-green foliage. False indigo (Baptisia australis) is likely the most popular of all with its spikes of violet blue, sweetpea flowers that are produced in early summer. Many appealing hybrids exist including the unusual, Baptisia ‘Chocolate Chip’, with its pretty spikes of brown-burgundy flowers and blue-green foliage.
Hardiness and culture depend on the species, but most Baptisia grow best in full sun and fertile soil. Many are tolerant of poorer sandy or gravelly soil. All require excellent soil drainage. Most species are hardy and form taproots which make them difficult to transplant once established. Plants tend to self-sow but not aggressively.
Baptisias are bold perennials for large gardens. They have a strong architectural form and are lovely in perennial borders or native gardens. They are also ideal for more informal wildflower or meadow gardens.
