Baptisia australis (False Indigo)
Scientific Name : Baptisia australis
Common Name : Blue False Indigo
Life Cycle : Perennial
Hardiness Zone : 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Blooming Season : Late Spring, Early Summer
Plant Habit : Upright
Height : 36” – 48”
Exposure : Sun, Part Shade
Uses : Beds, Borders, Landscapes, Naturalization
Baptisia australis is native to central and eastern North America. Baptisia is from Greek, meaning “to dip”; australis is Latin for “southern.”
Forms 12″ indigo blue spires, giving way to ornamental seed pods, which are prized by dried-flower collectors. Heavy flowering will not occur for 2-3 years. At maturity, it is a 3-4′ shrub-like clump, excellent as a specimen plant or backdrop for smaller perennials. Attractive to butterflies, but deer generally leave it alone.
Baptisia has a variety of uses, including antiseptic, anti-catarrhal, febrifuge and stimulant purgative. It is also believed to stimulate immune responses, but it is considered toxic. Baptisia should not be used except under the supervision of a qualified professional.
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