Baptisia australis
Common name: Blue false indigo;
Blue wild indigo
Baptisia is a member of the legume family, hence
its flowers and leaves remind one of peas. Some gardeners
would describe it as a giant lupine, with attractive
long-lasting foliage.
It produces large seedpods that can be used as a
natural rattle for babies to play with.
The plant takes a couple of years to establish before
it turns into the spectacular plant that it is destined
to be. Once established it is difficult to move because
it has a long tap root.
Ideal conditions: full sun to some
shade; well drained soil; can be kept on the dry side;
drought tolerant
Ideas and companions:
Height:
Flowers: 150 cm (3-4') in height;
pea-like, on tall spikes; indigo blue in colour; May
to June
Foliage: 90-120 cm (3-4'); blue-green
in colour
Coldest zone: 3 (find
your zone; further info on plant hardiness)
Season of interest: from bloom-time
to frost, as it is a nice shrub-like plant with attractive
foliage and has interesting seed pods
Native to: Ontario and central and
eastern USA
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hardy field grown plants
