Baptisia alba (White Wild Indigo) Unity Grown

Baptisia alba, commonly called white wild indigo or white false indigo, is a native perennial wildflower with creamy-white pea-like flowers that grow in upright spiked clusters from late spring into summer. White wild indigo provides four season interest with attractive foliage and flowers in spring and summer followed by persistent seed pods through the fall and winter. Baptisia alba performs best in full sun, and although it typically only grows to 2-3' tall and wide, resembling a small shrub, white wild indigo can reach up to 6' tall in optimal conditions! 

The common name of white 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 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, Baptisia alba will tolerate part shade, poor and clay soils, and  even drought thanks to its deep taproot.

Our Baptisia alba plugs and containers are grown from seed here at Unity Church Hill Nursery.

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