Baptisia australis (Blue Wild Indigo)

$ 8.98

Size
This product is unavailable

Also known as Wild Blue Indigo and Blue False Indigo.

Blue Wild Indigo is a bushy perennial with blue-purple pea-like flowers. Clusters of black seedpods often persist through the winter, and make great addition to dried flower arrangements. It is a deep-rooted native legume (fixes nitrogen in the soil) that can be slow to mature. It develops extensive root system with age. It attracts native bees and is a host plant for multiple butterflies. It does not grow well in shade. It prefers gravelly, sandy or well-drained loamy soils. 

Blue Wild Indigo has a deep taproot and does not respond well to being moved. It is sensitive to juglone and tends to perform poorly when planted close to black walnut trees.


AT A GLANCE

Texas native
Yes
Water use Medium
Sun exposure Full sun to part sun
Bloom color Purple, blue
Bloom time Spring, summer
Mature height 3-5 ft
Mature spread 3-4 ft
Attracts Bees, butterflies
Host plant Wild Indigo Duskywing, Eastern Tailed-Blue, Orange Sulphur, Clouded Sulphur, Frosted Elfin, and Hoary Edge butterflies.
Deer resistant Moderately
Poisonous Toxic if ingested.
Notes Native bee and bumble bee friendly. Tolerates seasonal flooding.

DISTRIBUTION MAPS 

USDA MAP

BONAP MAP

 Present in state
 Present in county and native
 Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state         
 Not present in state
 Present and rare, native in county
 Previously present, now extinct
 Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color)