How to identify Grayhairy wild indigo (Baptisia cinerea)

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How to identify Grayhairy wild indigo (Baptisia cinerea)

Grayhairy wild indigo exhibits a robust and upright growth form, often reaching 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) in height. It is characterized by its trifoliate gray-green foliage, where three leaflets emerge from a single petiole. During bloom, grayhairy wild indigo showcases indigo to violet pea-like flowers clustered on the upper stems. Its flowers typically transition into inflated seed pods, which blacken when ripe, adding a distinctive textural element to the plant.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Quickly Identify Grayhairy wild indigo

Trifoliate gray-green foliage with three leaflets on a single petiole.

Indigo to violet pea-like flowers in clustered racemes on upper stems.

Distinctive puffy black bean pods resembling inflated balloons, 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) long.

Blackening alternate trifoliate leaves, each leaflet lanceolate, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long.

Vibrant yellow flowers, 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter, in solitary racemes, not notably fragrant.

Detailed Traits of Grayhairy wild indigo

Leaf Features

Grayhairy wild indigo features alternate, trifoliate leaves that turn black when dried. Each leaflet is green, entire, and lanceolate, typically measuring about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length. The leaves appear in groups of three at the end of a stem, showcasing a veined pattern that is not needle-like or scale-like. The trifoliate arrangement and blackening upon drying are distinctive characteristics crucial for identifying this plant.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of grayhairy wild indigo are vibrant yellow, blooming from May to June. They appear on a solitary raceme, measuring about 8 inches (20 cm) in length. Each flower is approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter with a distinctive pea-like shape. The petals are arranged symmetrically, typically forming a neat, orderly display. Although the flowers primarily add visual appeal, they are not notably fragrant. These key features are crucial for identification of grayhairy wild indigo's flowers.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of grayhairy wild indigo is a distinctive puffy bean pod, bearing a strong visual resemblance to inflated balloons. These pods exhibit a striking color transition, maturing to a deep black hue as the season progresses from June through August. Upon reaching maturity, the pods span roughly 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) in length. The fruits' exterior is initially smooth but may become slightly wrinkled as they age. They are typically displayed in a clearly visible manner, making them a notable feature for identification during the summer months.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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