Wild Indigo
Baptisia lactea

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Baptisia lactea is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Sandy pine woods, prairies and river banks.

South-eastern N. America

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Cathartic, emetic, laxative.

Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Other

Rating:

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

Prefers a deep, well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun. Grows freely in a loamy soil. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. Some modern works treat this species as a variety of B. alba, naming it Baptisia alba macrophylla. Somewhat shy flowering in British gardens. Plants have a very deep root system and dislike root disturbance, they should be left alone once they are established. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water and then sown in a cold frame in late winter or early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer or following spring. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The plant is potentially toxic.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

B. leucantha. Torr.&Gray.