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(Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea)
Longbract Wild Indigo (Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea)
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Frank Mayfield
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Frank Mayfield
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Frank Mayfield | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 | Uploader: Tortie tude | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea, commonly known as Longbract Wild Indigo, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the tallgrass prairies and open woodlands of the Central United States. This species typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and spreads 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming clumps of upright stems. The plant is characterized by its long, showy bracts that surround the yellow and white flowers, which bloom in the spring and are quite attractive to pollinators. The foliage is bluish-green, adding to its ornamental value.
Longbract Wild Indigo is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. It is often used in native plant gardens, prairie restorations, and as a border plant. It is also appreciated for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, which can improve soil fertility. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade. It is not commonly afflicted by serious pests or diseases, but overwatering or poorly drained soils can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Longbract Wild Indigo is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. It is often used in native plant gardens, prairie restorations, and as a border plant. It is also appreciated for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, which can improve soil fertility. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade. It is not commonly afflicted by serious pests or diseases, but overwatering or poorly drained soils can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Tallgrass prairies and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea, Baptisia leucophaea, Baptisia bracteata var. glabrescens, Baptisia leucophaea var. glabrescens, Baptisia leucophaea var. leucophaea,
GBIF Accepted Name: Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea (Nutt.) Kartesz & Gandhi