Indigo Sauvage
(Tephrosia pumila)
Indigo Sauvage (Tephrosia pumila)
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scallions
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scallions
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: scallions | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: scallions | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2023-08-08T17:12:44-07:00 |

























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Tephrosia pumila, commonly known as Indigo Sauvage, Low Rattlebox, or Dwarf Tephrosia, is a perennial herb native to the tropical Old World. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.5 meters). This species is characterized by its compound leaves and showy pink or purple flowers that bloom in the summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Dwarf Tephrosia is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in restoration projects due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, which can improve soil fertility. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained sandy or loamy soils, and it is relatively low-maintenance, needing only minimal water once established. While it is not commonly found in the horticultural trade, it can be a unique addition to native plant gardens or wildflower meadows. Potential problems include root rot if grown in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Dwarf Tephrosia is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in restoration projects due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, which can improve soil fertility. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained sandy or loamy soils, and it is relatively low-maintenance, needing only minimal water once established. While it is not commonly found in the horticultural trade, it can be a unique addition to native plant gardens or wildflower meadows. Potential problems include root rot if grown in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type:
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to pine flatwoods, sandhills, and well-drained sandy habitats in the Southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Low Rattlebox , Dwarf Tephrosia
Scientific Names: Tephrosia pumila , Cracca dichotoma , Galega procumbens , Galega pumila , Tephrosia aldabrensis , Tephrosia commersonii , Tephrosia dichotoma , Tephrosia procumbens , Tephrosia procumbens , Tephrosia pumila subsp. aldabrensis
GBIF Accepted Name: