Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria)

Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) is a shrubby, upright native perennial with clover-like gray-green foliage. Loose clusters of small, yellow, pea-like flowers bloom on racemes above the foliage from late spring into early summer.

Seedpods follow the blooms and turn black when ripe, adding ornamental interest. It flowers best in full sun and acidic, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established.

Growing details

• Plant type: Perennial
• Mature size: 2–3 feet tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 2.5 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–7
• Light: Full sun to part sun; flowers best in full sun
• Soil: Acidic and well-drained
• Flowers: Small yellow, pea-like blooms in loose racemes
• Bloom season: Late spring into early summer
• Foliage: Clover-like gray-green leaves
• Seedpods: Darkening to black when ripe
• Additional traits: Drought tolerance once established

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance perennial may develop a more open appearance after flowering if left unpruned. Maintain good soil drainage.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, borders, wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, native gardens, foundation plantings, or suitably sized containers. Pair with purple coneflower, goldenrod, or butterfly weed.

Image credits: Francis Groeters, Baptisia tinctoria 0393, CC BY-SA 4.0; Laura Flohr Reynolds, Baptisia tinctoria, Americana/Wakefield Park, 7-17-14. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.