white wild indigo

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

2-4 ft. tall
2 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Collect seed approximately six weeks after flowering when pods are black and started to open. Seed requires cold stratification, so plant outside in fall or artificially stratify (at least 10 days) and plant in spring. Divide root stock in the fall. This species is deeply rooted.

Plant Planting Notes

12″ spacing

Plants/Diseases

This plant is tolerant and resistant to many things as well as does not have a major disease or insect problems.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae

Leaves

Leaves are compound, trifoliate, approximately 1-3 inches. Alternate. Leaf margins entire.

Flowers

The white, pea-like flowers are arranged on a raceme. Each flower is less than 1 inch.

Fruit

As a legume, the black seeds are held within pods that are 1-3 inches long.

Bark

Spreading, slender branches with a blue/gray (glaucous) hue.

Toxicity

This plant cause low toxicity and is poisonous through ingestion. All parts are poisonous. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Forest or natural areas in woodland borders and open woods

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Uncommon in the SC Coastal Plain and Piedmont, and absent from the Mountains

Subspecies

Baptisia alba var. alba