Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) is an erect-growing native legume that can grow to a height of 5 ft. It is a very long-lived species. We have production fields transplanted in 1999 that are thriving today. This bushy perennial puts energy into developing its root system for the first few growing seasons and will not bloom. Baptisia australis blooms in late spring or early summer with deep purple, pea-like flowers. Seed pods of Baptisia australis are erect on the stem and about 2.5 inches long. At one time, children used the ripe seedheads as rattles. Baptisia australis is native from Texas to Georgia, and Iowa to Pennsylvania. It is found in open woods, along riverbanks, and on sandy floodplains. Blue False Indigo is drought tolerant and deer resistant. We have observed a Baptisia australis planting that looked very attractive when pruned like a boxwood hedge. Blue False Indigo is a nice addition to partial shade or full sun pollinator-friendly meadow mixes. Bumblebees are one of the pollinators of Blue False Indigo. Individual seed lots of Blue False Indigo can have high seed dormancy levels. To break dormancy for transplant production, we recommend scarifying the seeds by placing a sheet of 220-grain sandpaper on a cookie sheet and an 80-grain sandpaper on a sanding block. Use the sanding block to rub the Baptisia australis seed with sufficient pressure to split up to 2% of the seed. Baptisia australis seedlings are easily recognized. They are erect with trifoliate leaves in alternate positions on the stem and larger leaves than those of Baptisia tinctoria (Yellow False Indigo). Baptisia australis is a member of the pea (Fabaceae) family. Baptisia comes from the Greek word "bapto", meaning "to dye." The species name australis means "southern."
