Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis, W.T.Aiton, Hortus Kew. 3: 6 (1811))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (L.) R.Br.

Bibliography: W.T.Aiton, Hortus Kew. 3: 6 (1811)

Year: 1811

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Baptisia

Vegetable: False

Observations: WC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Blue false indigo, scientifically known as Baptisia australis, is a member of the Fabaceae family. This perennial herb has long been admired for its striking appearance and robust nature, making it a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

Originating from the central and eastern regions of the United States, Blue false indigo thrives in well-drained soils and areas that receive ample sunlight. This hardiness has allowed it to become a staple in various landscapes, particularly in wildflower gardens and native plant restoration projects.

Baptisia australis is renowned for its tall, upright stature, which can reach up to 3 to 4 feet in height. One of its most notable features is its vibrant, indigo-blue flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. These pealike blossoms are arranged in dense, terminal racemes that provide a dramatic splash of color against the plant’s blue-green foliage.

The foliage itself is another attractive aspect of the Blue false indigo. The leaves are trifoliate, meaning they are composed of three leaflets, and maintain a healthy blue-green hue throughout the growing season. In the fall, the plant can add interest to the garden with its striking black seed pods, which also make a unique addition to dried floral arrangements.

Baptisia australis is not only valued for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological benefits. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it has the ability to improve soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is usable by plants. This makes it an excellent companion plant in mixed gardens.

Moreover, Blue false indigo serves as a vital food source for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, during its blooming period. Its resilience and low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of natural beauty to their outdoor spaces.

With its historical designation by W.T. Aiton in “Hortus Kew. 3: 6 (1811)” and its enduring popularity, Baptisia australis remains a captivating and valuable addition to any garden or natural setting.

Common Names

Eng: baptisia, blue false indigo, blue wild indigo, streamside blue indigo, tall wild blue indigo, wild false indigo
Swe: färgväppling
Fra: baptisie bleue, baptisie australe
En: Blue False Indigo, Blue Wild Indigo, Baptisia, Streamside blue indigo, Tall wild blue indigo, Wild false indigo
Fr: Baptisie bleue, Baptisie australe
Sv: Färgväppling
: Blue wild indigo

Synonyms

• Sophora australis (L.)
• Podalyria australis ((L.) Willd.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by L M (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2019 by Marsha Light (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Martina Lipperini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2019 by Eddie Stegeman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Sophia B (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 9, 2019 by Gen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Mat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Rutger P (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Alexander Becker (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by S A (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by olivier pasquet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2022 by Christine Raffy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Rutger P (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by Allan Meldrum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2020 by George Cantlie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by L M (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2020 by Elena Eigenher (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by pflantastisch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Serge Klein (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Anne de Rivaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Baptisia australis (L.) R.Br.)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2976091)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:480953-1)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth