SafePlants

Apalachicola Wild Indigo

This page provides information about the Apalachicola Wild Indigo, a rare and interesting plant with unique characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is in the legume family, Fabaceae, and produces pods, which might be of interest to pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is in the legume family, Fabaceae, and produces pods, which might be of interest to children.

Scientific and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Baptisia megacarpa Chapman ex Torrey & Gray
• Common Name: Apalachicola Wild Indigo
• Other Common Names: Bigpod Wild Indigo

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms:
  • Baptisia megacarpa Chapm. ex Torr. & A. Gray
  • Baptisia riparia Larisey
  • Baptisia riparia var. minima Larisey

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to parts of the Americas.
• Specifically mentioned as being endemic to three Georgia counties and seven Florida counties.
• Observed in the Apalachicola National Forest and JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Ecological Role

• Populations have been eliminated due to herbicide use in some habitats.

Morphological Characteristics

• A rather large growing perennial.
• Features terminal spikes of creamy flowers.
• Followed by the development of large pods.
• Described as a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
• Can grow up to 3 feet tall.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Wild Indigo Duskywing butterfly is associated with this plant.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden
• Discover Life
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Garden Guides