SafePlants

White False Indigo

White False Indigo, scientifically known as Baptisia alba, is also commonly referred to as White Wild Indigo or Large-leaved Wild Indigo. Other common names include Horse-fly Weed, Rattlebush, Rattlepod, Indigo Broom, Yellow Wild Indigo, and Plains Wild Indigo.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the plant is poisonous in large quantities.
• The plant produces seedpods, which may present a choking hazard if ingested.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that the plant is poisonous in large quantities.
• The plant produces seedpods, which may present a choking hazard if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Fabaceae/Leguminosea (Bean Family)
• Scientific Name: Baptisia alba
• Synonyms: Baptisia lactea, Baptisia leucantha, Baptisia alba var. macrophylla (white or large-leaf wild indigo), Sophora tinctoria (referring to Baptisia tinctoria), Podalyria (referring to Baptisia tinctoria)
• Varieties:
  • Baptisia alba var. alba (White Wild Indigo White False Indigo)
  • Baptisia alba var. macrophylla (Large Leaf Wild Indigo Plains)
  • Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea (Large-bracted Wild Indigo)
  • Baptisia lactea var. lactea (white wild indigo)

Distribution and Habitat

White False Indigo is native to the middle U.S., particularly in prairie environments. It can be found along treelines. Long-bracted wild indigo has been collected in New England only in Massachusetts.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• White False Indigo is an erect perennial forb, typically growing between 3 to 6 feet high.
• It features compound leaves that are trifoliate (composed of three leaflets). Some varieties have two large stipules at the base of the 3-parted leaves, giving the appearance of five leaflets.
• The plant produces long, loose, spike-like racemes of flowers.
• Flowers are followed by large oblong seedpods, which are considered showy. The fruit is a large, drooping seedpod. Black, hard, inflated seed pods which are much larger than the dozen or so small.
• The leaves are grayish-green with small white hairs and turn almost black after a frost.
• The rootstock is large, suggesting the plant is long-lived.
• Grows quickly in the spring, often towering above surrounding plants.

Ecological Role

• The leaves are eaten by white-tailed deer and the fruit by wild turkeys.
• Serves as a nectar source for a variety of butterflies.
• Larvae of Wild Indigo Duskywing, Hoary Edge, Southern Dogface use this plant.

Traditional Uses

• Wild indigo was historically used as a medicine by Native American Indians. A decoction of the plant was prepared for various ailments.
• The leaves were used as a dye, yielding an indigo color.
• An infusion of the leaves is useful for rheumatic and bronchial infections.

Quirky Facts

• The plant's leaves and pods can turn black when exposed to vapors of chloroform or ether.