How to Grow and Care for False Indigo

Blue wild indigo is a wildflower native to the Eastern United States. The flowers bloom throughout the spring and resemble pea blossoms, however, they are a lovely blue-purple. The plant juice can actually be used to make a purple dye if true indigo is not available.

White wild indigo (*Baptisia alba*) is a perennial wildflower that grows best in full sunlight or partial shade. It is naturally found in pine woods, along riverbanks, and forest edges. This plant is a larval host plant for the wild indigo duskywing and Moroccan duskywing butterflies. It is also browsed by rabbits and deer. A variety of birds are attracted to white wild indigo seeds.

Yellow wild indigo (Baptisia sphaerocarpa) is a herbaceous perennial that will grow from 61 to 91 cm tall. Showy yellow flowers bloom in spring. Pea-shaped blossoms grow on an attractive greenish-yellow stem and give way to seed pods that turn from tan to brown. The highly sought-after seed pods are often used in dried flower arrangements.

Longbract wild indigo (Baptisia bracteata) is a plant in the pea family (Fabaceae). “Baptisia” means “to dye.” The Latin name comes from the fact that people used the showy flowers of this plant for hundreds of years to add color to their clothing. This species is native to the North American continent.

Wild Indigo(Baptisia tinctoria) is an herbaceous perennial native to eastern North America. In the olden days, people made dye from this plant. It flourishes best in full sunlight and looks fantastic in a cottage garden.