• Photo of Baptisia alba (Baptisia albas)

Plant Profile: Baptisia alba

Taxonomy: Baptisia alba

Names

False Indigo, Thin-Pod White Wild Indigo, White False Indigo, White Indigo, White Wild Indigo, Wild Indigo, Wild White Indigo

  • Photo of Baptisia alba (Baptisia albas)

Phonetic Spelling:bap-TEE-sha AL-ba

Genus:Baptisia

Species:alba

Family:Fabaceae

White Wild Indigo is a herbaceous perennial that thrives in full sun or partial shade, typically reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet, with an average height of around 3 feet. Its leaves are arranged alternately and consist of three leaflets. The plant features dark blue-gray stems that beautifully contrast with its white flowers, and it produces nodding seed pods. Generally, White Wild Indigo has an upright, open, and shrubby appearance, but over time, it may develop a clumping growth habit due to its robust root system. However, it is important to note that this plant grows slowly, and cultivating it from seed can be quite challenging.

To encourage a rounded shape, pruning can be done after the flowering period; however, keep in mind that this will prevent the formation of seed pods, which some may find aesthetically pleasing.

This resilient plant is known for its tolerance to various conditions and is largely free from significant disease or pest issues.

**Seasons of Interest:**
- **Blooms:** Spring to early summer
- **Nut/Fruit/Seed:** Late summer to fall

White Wild Indigo can be found in forested areas, particularly along woodland edges and in open woods, and it is often used in flower gardens as a native herbaceous perennial.

Baptisia alba Feature Summary

Baptisia alba Image Gallery

Tags

#white
#yellow
#poisonous
#full sun tolerant
#blue
#drought tolerant
#cream
#white flowers
#wildlife plant
#showy
#yellow flowers
#clover leaves
#native perennial
#blue flowers
#tough plant
#low maintenance
#spring flowers
#erosion control
#dried flowers
#disease resistant
#NC native
#pest resistant
#deer resistant
#cream flowers
#blue-green leaves
#ornamentals
#herbaceous perennial
#native garden
#creamy white
#long lifespan
#pollinator plant
#native wildflower
#dried arrangements
#poor soils tolerant
#larval host plant
#food source summer
#food source fall
#early summer flowers
#NC Native Pollinator Plant
#Wild Indigo Duskywing
#food source herbage
#food source nectar
#food source pollen
#dry soils tolerant
#butterfly friendly
#Piedmont Mountains FACU
#Coastal FACU
#partial shade tolerant
#audubon
#erosion tolerant
#zarucco duskywing butterfly

Similar Plants

Baptisia alba Feature Summary

Attributes
South Eastern U.S.A
ts flowers are attractive to butterflies and other insects. This plant is a larval host plant for Zarucco Duskywing (Erynnis zarucco) and Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae).
Deer damage; tolerates drought, poor soils, dry soil, and erosion
Perennial
Wildlife Food Source
Attracts Pollinators
Wildlife Larval Host
Fruit
Displays from June to October. After the flowers are done blooming, 1.75-inch seed pods arrive (eventually will be brown or black when they are ripe). Dried flower arrangements and ornamental interest are seed in the seed pods/ stems holding these inflated seed pods. The seed pods come around late summer and fall.
Brown/Copper
Black
1-3 inches
Flowers
White spring flowers are shaped like peas, only about 0.5 inches long, and may have colors splotched on the petals as if painted on. They are grouped together with the raceme going up to 12 inches tall. The flower stems are quite dark. They bloom from May to June. This plant flowers either on long-stalked clusters above the leaves or axillary. This plant blooms in white, creamy white, blue, or yellow and can be irregular and pea-shaped. After the flowers are done blooming, 1.75-inch seed pods arrive (eventually will be brown or black when they are ripe). Dried flower arrangements and ornamental interest are seed in the seed pods/ stems holding these inflated seed pods.
White
Gold/Yellow
Blue
Cream/Tan
Spring
Summer
Irregular
< 1 inch
Leaves
Trifoliate leaves, below the flower stems, look like clovers and are a color mixture of blue and green: its leaflets are 1-2 inches long. This plant is a perennial herb with alternate, 3-parted leaves, turning black upon drying.
Green
Blue
Black
Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
1-3 inches
Stem
This plant has spreading, slender branches. Stems may be blue/gray or a very dark gray. Dried flower arrangements and ornamental interest are seed in the seed pods/ stems holding these inflated seed pods.
Gray/Silver
Blue
Poisonous to Humans
THIS PLANT CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. Poisonous through ingestion. All parts are poisonous. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Baptisin and cytisine
Seeds
Leaves
Stems
Sap/Juice
Flowers
Bark
Fruits
Roots
Whole Plant Traits
Perennial
Herbaceous Perennial
Native Plant
Poisonous
Wildflower
Erect
Spreading
Clumping
Cultural Conditions
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasionally Dry
Coastal
Piedmont
Landscape
Butterfly Garden
Pollinator Garden
Cottage Garden
Native Garden
Border
Small groups
Specimen
Drought
Deer
Insect Pests
Dry Soil
Diseases
Erosion
Poor Soil
Woodland
Meadow
Naturalized Area
Butterflies
Pollinators
Poisonous to Humans

Baptisia alba Attributes

Baptisia alba: Country Or Region Of Origin

South Eastern U.S.A

Baptisia alba: Wildlife Value

ts flowers are attractive to butterflies and other insects. This plant is a larval host plant for Zarucco Duskywing (Erynnis zarucco) and Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae).

Baptisia alba: Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems)

Deer damage; tolerates drought, poor soils, dry soil, and erosion

Baptisia alba: Life Cycle

Annual
Biennial
Bulb
Perennial
Woody

Baptisia alba: Play Value

Attractive Flowers
Attracts Pollinators
Buffer
Colorful
Defines Paths
Easy to Grow
Edible fruit
Fragrance
Pieces Used in Games
Screening
Shade
Sound
Textural
Wildlife Cover/Habitat
Wildlife Food Source
Wildlife Larval Host
Wildlife Nesting
Wind Break
Wind Shimmer

Baptisia alba Fruit

Baptisia alba: Fruit Description

Displays from June to October. After the flowers are done blooming, 1.75-inch seed pods arrive (eventually will be brown or black when they are ripe). Dried flower arrangements and ornamental interest are seed in the seed pods/ stems holding these inflated seed pods. The seed pods come around late summer and fall.

Baptisia alba: Fruit Color

grass
Black
grass
Brown/Copper

Baptisia alba: Fruit Value To Gardener

Edible
Fragrant
Good Cut
Good Dried
Long Bloom Season
Long-lasting
Showy

Baptisia alba: Display/Harvest Time

Fall
Spring
Summer
Winter

Baptisia alba: Fruit Length

< 1 inch
1-3 inches
> 3 inches

Baptisia alba Flowers

Baptisia alba: Flower Description

White spring flowers are shaped like peas, only about 0.5 inches long, and may have colors splotched on the petals as if painted on. They are grouped together with the raceme going up to 12 inches tall. The flower stems are quite dark. They bloom from May to June. This plant flowers either on long-stalked clusters above the leaves or axillary. This plant blooms in white, creamy white, blue, or yellow and can be irregular and pea-shaped. After the flowers are done blooming, 1.75-inch seed pods arrive (eventually will be brown or black when they are ripe). Dried flower arrangements and ornamental interest are seed in the seed pods/ stems holding these inflated seed pods.

Baptisia alba: Flower Color

filter_vintage
Blue
filter_vintage
Cream/Tan
filter_vintage
Gold/Yellow
filter_vintage
White

Baptisia alba: Flower Inflorescence

Catkin
Corymb
Cyme
Head
Insignificant
Panicle
Raceme
Solitary
Spadix
Spike
Umbel

Baptisia alba: Flower Value To Gardener

Edible
Fragrant
Good Cut
Good Dried
Long Bloom Season
Long-lasting
Showy

Baptisia alba: Flower Bloom Time

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Baptisia alba: Flower Shape

Bell
Cross
Crown
Cup
Dome
Funnel
Irregular
Lipped
Radial
Saucer
Star
Trumpet
Tubular
Urn
Wheel

Baptisia alba: Flower Size

1-3 inches
3-6 inches
< 1 inch
> 6 inches

Baptisia alba Leaves

Baptisia alba: Leaf Description

Trifoliate leaves, below the flower stems, look like clovers and are a color mixture of blue and green: its leaflets are 1-2 inches long. This plant is a perennial herb with alternate, 3-parted leaves, turning black upon drying.

Baptisia alba: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics

Broadleaf Evergreen
Deciduous
Needled Evergreen
Semi-evergreen

Baptisia alba: Leaf Color

spa
Black
spa
Blue
spa
Green

Baptisia alba: Leaf Type

Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
Fronds
Needles
Sheath
Simple

Baptisia alba: Leaf Arrangement

Alternate
Opposite
Other/more complex
Rosulate
Whorled

Baptisia alba: Leaf Margin

Crenate
Crenulate
Dentate
Denticulate
Doubly Crenate
Doubly Dentate
Doubly Serrate
Entire
Lobed
Serrate
Sinuate
Undulate

Baptisia alba: Hairs Present

No
Yes

Baptisia alba: Leaf Length

< 1 inch
1-3 inches
3-6 inches
> 6 inches

Baptisia alba Stem

Baptisia alba: Stem Description

This plant has spreading, slender branches. Stems may be blue/gray or a very dark gray. Dried flower arrangements and ornamental interest are seed in the seed pods/ stems holding these inflated seed pods.

Baptisia alba: Stem Color

grass
Blue
grass
Gray/Silver

Baptisia alba: Stem Is Aromatic

No
Yes

Baptisia alba Poisonous to Humans

Baptisia alba: Poison Symptoms

THIS PLANT CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. Poisonous through ingestion. All parts are poisonous. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Baptisia alba: Poison Toxic Principle

Baptisin and cytisine

Baptisia alba: Poison Severity

High
Low
Medium

Baptisia alba: Causes Contact Dermatitis

No
Yes

Baptisia alba: Poison Part

Bark
Flowers
Fruits
Leaves
Roots
Sap/Juice
Seeds
Stems

Baptisia alba Whole Plant Traits

Baptisia alba: Plant Type

Annual
Bulb
Carnivorous
Edible
Epiphyte
Fern
Ground Cover
Herb
Herbaceous Perennial
Houseplant
Mushroom
Native Plant
Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Perennial
Poisonous
Rose
Shrub
Succulent
Tree
Turfgrass
Vegetable
Vine
Water Plant
Weed
Wildflower

Baptisia alba: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics

Broadleaf Evergreen
Deciduous
Needled Evergreen
Semi-evergreen

Baptisia alba: Habit/Form

Arching
Ascending
Broad
Cascading
Climbing
Clumping
Columnar
Conical
Creeping
Dense
Erect
Horizontal
Irregular
Mounding
Multi-stemmed
Multi-trunked
Open
Oval
Prostrate
Pyramidal
Rounded
Spreading
Vase
Weeping

Baptisia alba: Maintenance

Low
Medium
High

Baptisia alba Cultural Conditions

Baptisia alba: Light

Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

Baptisia alba: Soil Drainage

Frequent Standing Water
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasional Flooding
Occasionally Dry
Occasionally Wet
Very Dry

Baptisia alba: Available Space To Plant

12 inches-3 feet
12-24 feet
24-60 feet
3 feet-6 feet
6-feet-12 feet
Less than 12 inches
more than 60 feet

Baptisia alba: NC Region

Coastal
Mountains
Piedmont

Baptisia alba: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

thermostat
5a
thermostat
5b
thermostat
6a
thermostat
6b
thermostat
7a
thermostat
7b
thermostat
8a
thermostat
8b

Baptisia alba Landscape

Baptisia alba: Landscape Theme

Asian Garden
Butterfly Garden
Children's Garden
Cottage Garden
Cutting Garden
Drought Tolerant Garden
Edible Garden
English Garden
Fairy Garden
Garden for the Blind
Native Garden
Nighttime Garden
Pollinator Garden
Rain Garden
Rock Garden
Shade Garden
Water Garden
Winter Garden

Baptisia alba: Design Feature

Accent
Barrier
Border
Flowering Tree
Foundation Planting
Hedge
Mass Planting
Screen/Privacy
Security
Shade Tree
Small groups
Small Tree
Specimen
Street Tree
Understory Tree

Baptisia alba: Resistance To Challenges

Black Walnut
Compaction
Deer
Diseases
Drought
Dry Soil
Erosion
Fire
Foot Traffic
Heat
Heavy Shade
Humidity
Insect Pests
Pollution
Poor Soil
Rabbits
Salt
Slugs
Squirrels
Storm damage
Urban Conditions
Voles
Wet Soil
Wind

Baptisia alba: Landscape Location

Coastal
Container
Hanging Baskets
Houseplants
Lawn
Meadow
Naturalized Area
Near Septic
Patio
Pond
Pool/Hardscape
Recreational Play Area
Riparian
Rock Wall
Slope/Bank
Small Space
Vertical Spaces
Walkways
Woodland

Baptisia alba: Attracts

Bats
Bees
Butterflies
Frogs
Hummingbirds
Moths
Pollinators
Predatory Insects
Reptiles
Small Mammals
Songbirds
Specialized Bees

Baptisia alba: Problems

Allelopathic
Contact Dermatitis
Frequent Disease Problems
Frequent Insect Problems
Invasive Species
Malodorous
Messy
Poisonous to Humans
Problem for Cats
Problem for Children
Problem for Dogs
Problem for Horses
Short-lived
Spines/Thorns
Weak Wood
Weedy