Baptisia australis
Blue False Indigo
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Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) - Description
Baptisia australis, commonly known as blue wild indigo or blue false indigo, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae (legumes). It is native to much of central and eastern North America and is particularly common in the Midwest, but it has also been introduced well beyond its natural range. Naturally it can be found growing wild at the borders of woods, along streams or in open meadows. It often has difficulty seeding itself in its native areas due to parasitic weevils that enter the seed pods, making the number of viable seeds very low.
Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) - Blooming
Being in the Pea Family, False Indigos have flowers that look like sweat peas. They bloom in early Summer. Although they are known for their blue flowers, the species B. alba has white or creamy white flowers.
Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) - Growth
Does best with full sun.
Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) - Planting
As soon as ripe, sow seeds in a cold frame with containers. In early spring, divide.
Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) - Pest
Seeds prone to weevils. Other problems include fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, and rust.
Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) - Interesting facts
Blue flowered specimens of Baptisia were once used as a substitute dye when actual Indigo could not be found. They are also said to repel flies, and are can hung off of farm animals. If it doesn't keep the flies away, it at least makes the animals look more colorful.
Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) - Soil and irrigation
False Indigos can withstand poor and sandy soils. They are also slightly drought tolerant once established.
