Largeleaf Wild Indigo
(Baptisia alba var. macrophylla)
Largeleaf Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba var. macrophylla)
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Eric Hunt
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Eric Hunt
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Eric Hunt | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Eric in SF | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Baptisia alba var. macrophylla, commonly known as Largeleaf Wild Indigo, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, prairies, and savannas in the Central United States. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). The plant features upright racemes of showy white flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by ornamental, inflated seed pods that can add interest to the winter garden. The foliage is bluish-green and adds a unique texture to garden settings.
Largeleaf Wild Indigo is valued for its low maintenance requirements, drought tolerance once established, and its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility. It is often used in native plant gardens, perennial borders, and as a specimen plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, though it is adaptable to various soil conditions. This species is resistant to deer browsing and is not commonly affected by serious pests or diseases. However, it can be slow to establish and may take several years to reach full size.CC BY-SA 4.0
Largeleaf Wild Indigo is valued for its low maintenance requirements, drought tolerance once established, and its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility. It is often used in native plant gardens, perennial borders, and as a specimen plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, though it is adaptable to various soil conditions. This species is resistant to deer browsing and is not commonly affected by serious pests or diseases. However, it can be slow to establish and may take several years to reach full size.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 2-2.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, prairies, and savannas in the Central United States
Other Names
Common Names: White False Indigo, White Wild Indigo
Scientific Names: , Baptisia alba var. macrophylla, Baptisia leucantha, Baptisia lactea, Baptisia leucantha var. pauciflora, Baptisia leucantha var. divaricata, Baptisia pendula var. macrophylla, Dolichos lacteus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Baptisia alba var. macrophylla (Larisey) Isely