Baptisia australis: Blue False Indigo

Latin name: Baptisia australis

Common name: Blue false indigo

Flowers: Blue to violet flowers bloom along 10-12” long, upright stalks^{3, 12}

Fruit: Two to 2.5” black pods follow flowering period^{3, 12}

Height & Width: 3-4’ x 4’³

Type: Herbaceous perennial¹²

Habit: Upright¹²

Wetland indicator category**: Not available¹⁷

Texture: Medium⁴

Growth rate: Medium⁴

Light: Full sun to part shade^{4, 12}

Moisture: Medium^{3, 10}

Soil*: Tolerates clay, shallow, rocky soil; Acidic (pH<6.8), Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)^{10, 12}

Zones: 3-8³

Origin: Midwestern to Southeastern United States, including South Carolina.¹⁶

Features: Blue false indigo features striking blue and violet flowers along tall, upright stalks in late spring followed by interesting black seed pods³. Baptisia australis also serves as a host plant for many butterfly species.^{4, 12}

Siting: Baptisia australis grows best in moist, well-drained soil and in full sun conditions.³

Care: Plant crown at soil level¹⁸. At planting, water the roots and surrounding area slowly and deeply. Keep soil moist until plant is established, then apply enough water to thoroughly moisten the root zone when the soil is dry or during drought. Modify water recommendations to reflect site drainage and rainfall. Apply 3” of mulch over the planted area. Do not allow mulch to touch the plant stems¹⁸. Dead stems should be cut within 18” of the ground in late fall². Transplanting is difficult due to its deep taproot system^{3, 4}.

Pests: Plants are relatively pest resistant if cultural preferences are met.

Author: Allison Kelly

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