![]() Shirly (1994) recommends dividing young plants in the early spring. The root stocks of Baptisia pendula can be divided in the fall and this may apply to Baptisia alba. There are approximately 25,600 - 31,000 seed/lb and the recommended planting rate is 28 lbs/acre. Seedlings are sensitive to overwatering and should be allowed to dry out between waterings. They can also be planted in a greenhouse then transplanted to the restoration in the fall or winter. Seeds can be planted in spring or fall and benefit from innoculation with Baptisia rhizobium before planting. Stratification for 10 days and scarification are recommended for other Baptisia species (Shirley 1994, Steffen 1997) but do not seem to be necessary for B. Prefers wet mesic to dry sites with sandy soils (but will grow in clay) and a pH range of 6.5-7. Germination can be sporatic (Phillips 1985). ![]() When planting where the plants are to grow, sowing in winter to early spring is best. When growing in containers, soak the seeds overnight before sowing. If insects are present, place the the seeds in a plastic bag with small piece of no-pest-strip for 1-2 weeks. The seeds can then be removed by screening or winnowing. The pods of white wild-indigo are easily crushed by hand. The seed pods should be collected 1 - 1 1/2 months after flowering (April-August), when they turn black. The dark blue-gray stems contrast with the white flowers. The leaves are alternate and divided into three leaflets. Seed is the best method to propagate this perennial. Grown in full sun or partial shade, White Wild Indigo is a herbaceous perennial that may grow 2 to 4 feet tall (though generally only 3 feet tall). Seeds can be purchased through the Florida Wildflower Growers Cooperative.Baptisias like full sun but are tolerant of some shade. Plants are often available from nurseries that specialize in Florida native plants. It does not tolerate root disturbance, so plant seed or seedling where the mature plant is intended to remain. It dies back in winter, but returns in the spring. Garden tips: White wild indigo works well in a mixed wildflower planting, particularly in the background given its relative height. Growth habit: 2–3+’+ tall, often wider than tall Soil: Moderately to very dry, acidic to neutral soils To see where natural populations of White wild indigo have been vouchered, visit. Native range: Panhandle, north and central peninsula ![]() Many species of Baptisia were historically used to produce a blue dye, hence the common name of the genus, indigo.įamily: Fabeaceae (Legume, bean or pea family) (The plant’s large tuberous roots allow it to withstand browsing.) The fruits are eaten by a variety of birds, and the foliage is browsed by rabbits and deer. It attracts many pollinators and is the larval host plant for the Wild indigo duskywing and Zarucco duskywing butterflies. White wild indigo occurs naturally in pine flatwoods and along riverbanks and deciduous forest edges. Young seed pods are green and turn grayish-black as they mature. Baptisias are durable pest and disease resistant native taprooted perennials and could be considered the Lupine for the south. Leaves are compound, alternately arranged, and comprised of three bluish-green, elliptic to ovate leaflets. A single plant may produce several flower stalks. Its showy white blooms are borne on erect, terminal racemes that extend a foot or more above the foliage and remain for several weeks. White wild indigo is a long-lived perennial herbaceous wildflower. Click on terms for botanical definitions. Pictured above: White wild indigo ( Baptisia alba) by Lisa Roberts. ![]()
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