University of Wisconsin-Madison | Botany Plant Growth Facilities

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Genus: Baptisia Species: australis Common Name: Blue False Indigo Family: Fabaceae Order: Fabales Native: Eastern North America Habit: Herbaceous Perennial Height: 3 to 5 feet Width: 3 to 4 feet Flowering Season: Late Spring Flower Color: Purple or Indigo blue Propagation: Seed or division Zone: 3-9 Note: This plant has attractive blue flowers and black seed pods which rattle in their pods if shaken. Early Americans used this plant in making blue dyes (false Indigo). True indigo dye comes from the genus Indigofera. This plant is suitable for prairies, meadows, cottage gardens, borders, or as a specimen.Prefers sunny to partly shady, moderately dry, well-drained, sandy-loam soil.