3 minute read
False Indigo
Three years ago, my garden club went on a field trip to a nursery that specialized in native plants. We traveled up into the cool, misty, smoky mountains of East Tennessee. I am always excited to buy plants that are native to our area. I bought a false indigo Baptisia Australis. I have wanted this plant for years.
Baptisia, also known as blue false indigo or blue wild indigo, is a perennial herb native to
much of central and eastern North America. It typically grows in rich woods, thickets and along streambanks from Pennsylvania south to North Carolina and Tennessee. The plant has dense clusters of deep blue flowers on long upright spikes. It is a large bushy perennial.
The genus name Baptisia comes from the Greek word bapto, meaning “to dye.”
Early American colonists used this native Baptisia as a substitute (though inferior) for true indigo (Indigofera) in making dyes.
Blue false indigo grows upright, typically reaching 3 to 4 feet tall. It features greygreen leaves and produces striking long racemes of indigo-blue flowers from late spring to early summer. The lupine-like flowers are arranged in erect spikes above the foliage mound.
The first year, I was dismayed with my small, weak purchase. I eventually placed a spike beside the plant so that I could remember
where I had planted it. The second year I was surprised that it had wintered over beautifully and was ready to give me a showstopping display. It was three feet tall in less than a month. The color of the foliage was even beautiful. The leaves are clover-like and bluish-green, with leaflets about 2 inches long. After flowering, blue false indigo forms black seed pods (up to 2.5 inches long). These pods turn charcoal black when ripe and add ornamental interest after blooming.
The seeds rattle after drying inside the pod. Early settlers used the pods to make toy rattles for their children.
Since this is a native plant, growing conditions are perfect here. Blue false indigo thrives in full sun to part shade. It prefers moderately moist, well-draining soil that can be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.0-6.8). Minimal maintenance is required. Trimming after flowering helps maintain its appearance. Over time, it forms slowly expanding clumps with a deep root system. Indigo is ideal for borders, cottage gardens, prairies, meadows and native plant gardens.
All parts of the plant are mildly toxic to humans and animals. The alkaloid compounds responsible for mild toxicity also make it unpalatable to insects, making it relatively trouble-free in gardens. Blue false indigo is a resilient and long-lived plant that adds structure and beauty to garden landscapes. Its unique flowers and seed pods make it a standout choice for naturalized settings.
This is the perfect plant for a butterfly garden. The flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees and other insects. It is also a larval host plant for a variety of butterflies including: Orange Sulphur, Clouded Sulphur, Frosted Elfin, Eastern Tailed Blue, Hoary Edge and Wild Indigo Duskywing.
I will not be dying material or making rattles but I am enjoying watching this native plant flourish in my garden along with the beauty of attracting butterflies.
