Baptisia alba var. macrophylla (White False Indigo)

Baptisia alba var. macrophylla, commonly called largeleaf wild indigo, is a medium-sized perennial wildflower with creamy-white pea-like flowers that grow in upright spiked clusters from late spring into summer. Found in prairie environments throughout much of the midwest and southern United States, largeleaf wild indigo provides four season interest with attractive foliage and flowers in spring and early summer followed by persistent seed pods and attractive black dried foliage through the fall and winter. Baptisia alba var. macrophylla performs best in full sun, and typically grows to 2-4' tall and wide, resembling a shrub in structure. 

The common name of largeleaf wild indigo refers to the plants' tissues containing a blue dye similar to indigo; this dye becomes more visible through the cooler months, with dried plants becoming nearly black in color through the fall. Baptisia alba var. mcarophylla is an ecologically valuable species, as its blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and several bird species eat its seeds or shelter among its foliage. Performing best in medium to dry, well-draining soils in full sun, largeleaf wild indigo will tolerate part shade, poor and clay soils, and even drought thanks to its deep taproot, and its large leaves are sure to make a showy impression in almost any landscape.

Note: Care should be taken when choosing an ideal planting location for Baptisia alba var. mcarophylla, especially in meadow environments as this plant can be fatal when eaten by ranging cattle.