No images found for this plant ID: 5382.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "5382" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
scareweed
Scientific Name: Baptisia simplicifolia
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: FL (Coastal Plain wild indigo, scare-weed)
Baptisia simplicifolia: Scareweed
Baptisia simplicifolia, commonly known as Scareweed, is a forb/herb belonging to the genus Baptisia.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions the plant has thick, glossy leaves reminiscent of eucalyptus. While not directly indicating toxicity, different leaf textures may be tempting for pets to chew on.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Baptisia simplicifolia Croom
- Common Name: Scareweed
- Family: Fabaceae
- Taxonomic Status: Forb/Herb (non-woody plant that is not a grass)
Distribution and Habitat
- Scareweed is a narrow endemic species primarily found in a few counties in North Florida, specifically in the Florida Panhandle.
- It has a global range of only five Florida counties.
- Observed in areas such as Apalachicola National Forest, Liberty County, FL.
Morphological Characteristics
- Scareweed has thick, glossy-green, eucalyptus-like leaves.
- The plant can grow to be approximately 2 feet wide.
- Final size reported as 12" x 24" (height x width).
Ecological Role
- The species is considered rare.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Observed with Peucetia viridans (a species of green lynx spider).
- Mention of "scare-weed beetle", red and gray scare-weed beetles, and sunflower beetle.
Quirky Facts
- One account humorously recalls receiving "weed" (presumably not Scareweed) in "Welcome Baby" wrapping paper during a pregnancy scare.
Further Information
- Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Baptisia simplicifolia.
- Dave's Garden is mentioned as a friendly community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.