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white wild indigo

Scientific Name: Baptisia alba var. alba

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

White Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba)

White Wild Indigo, also known as White False Indigo, is a striking herbaceous perennial appreciated for its aesthetic appeal and ecological role.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant produces seed pods that change from green to medium gray or black, which may be of interest to pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant produces seed pods that change from green to medium gray or black, which may be of interest to children. These pods are sometimes described as "rattle-like," suggesting they contain loose seeds.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Baptisia alba
  • Common Names: White Wild Indigo, White False Indigo
  • Family: Fabaceae (Bean Family/Legume Family)
  • Synonyms and Varieties:
    • Baptisia lactea
    • Baptisia leucantha
    • Baptisia alba var. macrophylla
    • Baptisia lactea var. lactea

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to central and eastern North America.
  • Found in sandy, dry areas or open woods.
  • Look for it statewide in Mississippi and Indiana.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Herbaceous perennial, but has shrub-like appearance.
  • Grows to a height of 3 to 6 feet.
  • Forms an erect, sparsely branched bush.
  • Stout central stem, generally light green to reddish purple in color and smooth.
  • Smooth leaves.
  • White or cream-colored pea-like flowers.
  • Flowers form on long, loose, spike-like racemes, up to 1 inch long.
  • Showy white flowers in spike-like clusters in spring and summer.
  • Produces attractive black seed pods in fall.

Ecological Role

  • The deep tap root provides protection from drought and prairie fires.
  • Attracts wildlife.
  • Showy blossoms signal the beginning of summer in the prairie.
  • Combines attractively with blue-, white- or yellow-flowering perennials.
  • Has a robust, striking presence.
  • Provides three-season interest.
  • Strong stems remain standing even during winter.

Quirky Facts

  • The name Baptisia comes from the Greek word "baptizein," meaning "to dye," referring to the historical use of some species as a poor substitute for indigo dye. Leucantha means &quotwhite-flowered&quot.
  • The Mesquakies used the white wild indigo (B. lactea) to promote vomiting.

Cultivation

  • Prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • Requires moist, well-drained soil.
  • Well-suited for native, perennial, or prairie gardens.
  • Initially slow to establish, but substantial, very long-lived and vigorous once established.
  • Drought tolerant.