SafePlants

Baptisia calycosa

Also known as Florida wild indigo or Canby's wild indigo, Baptisia calycosa is a striking member of the pea family (Fabaceae).

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Baptisia (wild indigo, false indigo) is a genus in the legume family, Fabaceae. Legumes can sometimes cause digestive upset in pets if ingested in large quantities.
• The text notes that the plant is potentially poisonous.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that the plant is potentially poisonous.
• The presence of pea-shaped flowers might be attractive to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Baptisia calycosa Canby
• Common Names: Florida wild indigo, Canby's wild indigo, white wild indigo, white false indigo, hairy Florida wild-indigo, bigpod wild indigo
• Family: Fabaceae (bean family or legume family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonym: Baptisia alba (though some sources consider this a separate species)

Distribution and Habitat

• Baptisia calycosa is native to Florida and occurs nowhere else.
• Other Baptisia species, like Baptisia alba, are native to the eastern and central U.S., ranging from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas.
• Wild indigo in general can be found as far east as New Hampshire, south to Florida, west to Texas, and north into Canada.
• Prefers dry soils.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Strikingly beautiful spikes of white, pea-shaped flowers are borne on dark stems.
• The plant is bushy with elliptic leaves.
• Drought tolerant.
• Wild indigo is a perennial plant with a stem from 2 to 3 feet high.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Baptisia tinctoria hosts caterpillars of Frosted Elfin, Wild Indigo Duskywing, and Orange Sulfur butterflies.

Historical and Traditional Uses

• Wild Indigo has long been sought after for its natural anti-septic properties.
• Historically, Wild Indigo has been used to create shampoo that fights dry, flakey scalp.
• Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis) and yellow wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) were used to produce a blue dye by both Native Americans and settlers.
• Long used for its medicinal properties by Native Americans.

Resources and Further Information

• University of Florida Herbarium
• IRMNG (https://www.irmng.org/)
• Florida Wildflower Foundation
• Dave's Garden
• Discover Life
• USDA distributional map