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Blue wild indigo

How to identify Blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis)

Blue wild indigo, also known as Indigo weed, Horsefly weed

Blue wild indigo rises to a stature of approximately 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) and is notable for its vivid indigo blue blooms, presenting a majestic display in spring. This herbaceous perennial forms robust clumps, displaying an upright habit. Its leaves are typically clover-like, contributing to its dense and bushy appearance. In shadier conditions, it may exhibit a tendency to become more elongated and potentially droop. The flowers of blue wild indigo offer a striking contrast when situated alongside perennials of lighter hues.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Blue wild indigo

1

Vivid indigo blue blooms in spring, reaching 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) tall.

2

Trifoliate clover-like leaves with a blue/green hue, turning black when dried.

3

Distinctive puffy seed pods, black when mature, up to 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) long.

4

16-inch-tall (40 cm) racemes of irregular, pea-shaped purple/blue flowers.

5

Upright, sturdy stem, woody at the base, herbaceous at the top, reaching 2-4 feet (60-120 cm).

Blue wild indigoBlue wild indigoBlue wild indigoBlue wild indigoBlue wild indigo

Detailed Traits of Blue wild indigo

Leaf Features

The leaves of blue wild indigo are trifoliate, resembling clover leaves, with a blue/green hue. Each leaflet is smooth-edged (entire), can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length, and has a smooth texture. They are arranged alternately along the stem. Upon drying, the leaves turn black, which is a unique characteristic of this perennial herb.

Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Obtuse ,
Acute

Leaf Texture

Papyraceous

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

The flowers of blue wild indigo are on spikes arranged on 16-inch-tall (40 cm) racemes, typically exhibiting a striking purple/blue hue and measuring about 0.75 inches (2 cm) in size. They bloom in late spring to early summer and are irregular and pea-shaped. These flowers can be found in long-stalked clusters above the leaves or in axillary positions. They also appear in variations of white, blue, or yellow, offering a colorful display attractive to gardeners.

Blue wild indigo Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of blue wild indigo is upright and sturdy, typically reaching heights of 2-4 feet (60-120 cm). It is smooth with a pale green to slightly bluish tinge. The stem's texture is somewhat woody at the base, becoming more herbaceous towards the top. It features prominent nodes where trifoliate leaves and racemes of blossoms emerge. Stems may exhibit branching primarily near the upper sections, and dried stems with seed pods present an attractive, ornamental appearance.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of blue wild indigo is characterized by distinctive, puffy seed pods that capture visual interest. These pods are inflated and teeming with seeds within their protective hull. Upon maturity, the pods exhibit a deep black hue and reach a substantial size of up to 2.5 inches (approximately 6.35 centimeters) long by late summer. The robust texture and dark color of the mature pods make them a striking addition to dried floral arrangements, especially when paired with the stem.

Blue wild indigo Fruit image
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Key Facts About Blue wild indigo

Attributes of Blue wild indigo
Spread
60 cm to 1 m
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Gray
Silver
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Blue
Purple
Fruit Color
Black
Stem Color
Green
Gray
Silver
Leaf type
Deciduous
The Toxicity of Blue wild indigo
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Scientific Classification of Blue wild indigo

Family
Legume
Icon allow
Species
Blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis)
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Distribution Map of Blue wild indigo

Blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis) is native to the forests and thickets of many central and eastern US states, and it has been introduced to Illinois and Minnesota. This perennial plant has attractive flowers that make it a popular ornamental plant.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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