Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)
Baptisia australis, commonly known as Blue Wild indigo, is a native perennial found in prairies and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
This plant features striking spikes of deep blue to purple, pea-like flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. After blooming, it forms dark, charcoal-colored seed pods that add interest to the landscape and provide food for wildlife. As a member of the legume family, it also enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Baptisia australis is a hardy, low-maintenance choice for prairie gardens, pollinator habitats, and naturalized landscapes, offering vibrant color, ecological benefits, and drought resistance.
Baptisia australis, commonly known as Blue Wild indigo, is a native perennial found in prairies and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
This plant features striking spikes of deep blue to purple, pea-like flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. After blooming, it forms dark, charcoal-colored seed pods that add interest to the landscape and provide food for wildlife. As a member of the legume family, it also enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Baptisia australis is a hardy, low-maintenance choice for prairie gardens, pollinator habitats, and naturalized landscapes, offering vibrant color, ecological benefits, and drought resistance.
Baptisia australis, commonly known as Blue Wild indigo, is a native perennial found in prairies and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
This plant features striking spikes of deep blue to purple, pea-like flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. After blooming, it forms dark, charcoal-colored seed pods that add interest to the landscape and provide food for wildlife. As a member of the legume family, it also enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Baptisia australis is a hardy, low-maintenance choice for prairie gardens, pollinator habitats, and naturalized landscapes, offering vibrant color, ecological benefits, and drought resistance.
Bloom time: mid- to late spring
Habitats: gravel prairies; rocky banks of rivers; rocky open woodlands
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 4 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: gravelly; rocky