A tall native perennial with palmate leaves and spires of white pea-shaped flowers in spring. Host plant for the wild indigo duskywing butterfly. Black inflated seed pods rattle in autumn winds.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Baptisia alba, commonly called white wild indigo or white false indigo, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the bean family Fabaceae. It is native in central and eastern North America, and is typically found in open woodland areas and prairies with tall grasslands.
Source: Wikipedia — Baptisia alba Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Tall plant with palmate compound leaves; white pea-shaped flowers in tall spikes; black inflated seed pods.
Similar species. Other Baptisia species (different colors).
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Native prairie wildflower with brilliant white pea-flower spikes. Distinctive black inflated seed pods rattle when dry.
§ Range
Eastern US
§ Habitat
Open woods, prairies, glades
§ Threats
Prairie and savanna loss, garden monocultures, deer browsing.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the white wild indigo is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Plant native Baptisia in sunny garden corners. Support prairie restoration.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Baptisia alba
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Baptisia alba
- iNaturalist · taxon 50901
- IUCN Red List — search for Baptisia alba
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Baptisia alba
§ Sources cited
- USDA Plants Database
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
