Baptisia australis (false indigo)

Blue false indigo, a member of the pea family, is a popular garden border plant and for good reason. It has deep blue to violet pealike flowers in spring, attractive light green leaves, and black seed pods that emerge in the late summer. It can grow to 4' tall and 3' wide in full sun. It may need water in a drought but otherwise does well in moist to dry soil. The common name refers to the fact that native Americans and early European settlers used it as a source for blue dye. Baptisia has a long taproot which makes transplanting a challenge. Note: Young shoots of the plant, which resemble asparagus, are toxic. Good for borders and specimen plants.

False indigo is native to much of central and eastern North America. It is found at the borders of woods, along streams or in open meadows. Attracts native bees and bumble bees. 

Photo by Kathy Thornton

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