Baptisia australis (Wild blue indigo)

False blue indigo is a celebrated and cultivated member of the legume (bean and pea) family. It sprouts stalks early in the season, bushing out with clover-like leaves, and is prized for its blue-violet spires of spring to summer blooms and interesting seed heads that last into winter. It prefers well draining sandy or rocky soils, but is adaptable so long as the soil is well draining.

 

Contrary to this plant's popularity in cultivation, natural occurances of Baptisia australis in Virginia are becoming scarce. This is due to habitat loss, but it can be found in rocky open woodlands, gravel prairies, and rocky banks of rivers. Natural occurances of wildfire may have been a contributing factor in promoting wild populations.

 

Historically, Native Americans and later early settlers used the plant as a substitute for true indigo to produce blue dye. The seed heads were once used as baby rattles. It is highly drought-tolerant due to its deep taproot, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens.

 

Deep-rooted plants such as Baptisia can take a couple of years to build their roots and grow in size when young, so have patience with it and watch it grow each year!