Blue False Indigo Common Name: Blue False Indigo Botanical Name: Baptisia australis Blue False Indigo Plant family: Fabiaceae Location: East Terrace Switchback Growing zone: 4-9 Height: 3-4 ft. Spread: 3 ft. Bloom time: April, May Bloom description: Purple flowers are seen in tall, vertical spikes emerging from the bluish-green leaves. These give way to inflated seed pods (to 2 1/2 in. long) which turn charcoal black when ripe. Leaf type: Rounded leaves are three-parted (trifoliate) with a wonderful bluish-green color. Garden uses: Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. Tolerates drought and poor soils. Over time, plants develop slowly expanding clumps with deep and extensive root systems, and should not be disturbed once established. May be grown from seed, but takes several years to establish. Plants take on more of a shrubby appearance and tend to open up after bloom. Wildlife benefits: Flowers provide nectar for honeybees, butterflies, and moths. Host plant of the wild indigo duskywing.
