Baptisia
( bap - TIZ - ee - uh )
At-A-Glance Information
Baptisia, commonly called False Indigo, False Lupine, or Wild Indigo, is a perennial flowering plant that requires full sun and moderate water. Native to the southern and eastern areas of the United States, these plants have deep taproots that allow them to pull water from deep in the ground, allowing them to survive difficult conditions like drought and sandy soil. Leaves are blue-green and blooms in late spring or early summer are sweet-pea shaped and can be purple, yellow, cream, or white. Flowers are followed by seedpods. Remove spent flowers to encourage a repeat bloom. These flowers are great for border garden beds, and will naturally increase in size, but do not need dividing. They are also great for meadow plantings with ornamental grasses or when planted amongst roses. Take care when planting False Indigo in your garden, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets.
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Baptisia species and varietAls
The genus Baptisia includes just under 30 species and is a member of the plant family Fabaceae. The genus name is derived from the Greek word for the verb 'to dye' (bapto). False Indigo grows well in zones 1-24 (for more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map).
Baptisia alba (White False Indigo, White Wild Indigo) This is an upright plant with a bushy habit, growing to 2-3 feet tall and just as wide. Stems are smokey-grey and flowers are white, blooming spring through summertime. These flowers are native to central and eastern North American open woodlands, prairies, and grasslands. There are two varietals, Baptisia alba alba, and Baptisia alba macrophylla. |
Baptisia arachnifera (Hairy Rattleweed, Cobwebby Wild Indigo, Hairy Wild Indigo, Hairy False Indigo) This endangered species is native to Georgia, where between 95 and 99 percent of its range has been destroyed due to plantation farming in the area. The plant is covered in thick, cobwebby hairs and has heart-shaped blue-green leaves. Flowers are yellow. |
Baptisia australis (Blue False Indigo, Blue Wild Indigo, Indigo Weed, Rattleweed, Rattlebush, Horsefly Weed) This plant has a bit of a spreading habit, and reaches 3-5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Flowers are deep blue. Blue False Indigo is native to the midwestern United States where it likes to grow along forest edges and on stream banks. |
Baptisia lanceolata (Gopherweed) This species is native Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina and reaches about 3 feet tall at maturity. It grows naturally in sandhill areas and piney woodlands. Flowers are pea-shaped and bright yellow. There are two varieties; Baptisia lanceolata elliptica, and Baptisia lanceolata lanceolata. |
Baptisia tinctoria (Yellow False Indigo, Wild Indigo, Horseflyweed) This species is native to eastern North America, where it grows in dry meadow and open woodland environments. These bushy plants reach between 2 and 3 feet tall, and yellow flowers bloom on spikes that rise above the foliage. In Martha's Vineyard, these plants are common tumbleweeds, disconnecting from their root in fall and rolling around the area. |
Caring for Baptisia
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 188, Baptisia (False Indigo, Wild Indigo)
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