This prairie native is superbly adapted to growing in our Wisconsin gardens. It is tolerant of our extreme temperatures and erratic glaciated soil conditions. Its blue pea-like flowers were historically used as a blue dye substitute for true indigo (thus the common name "False Indigo"). It forms a large 36"-48" shrub-like specimen of glaucous green foliage topped by racemes of purple-blue flowers in early summer. The flowers are followed by attractive black seed pods that we leave standing throughout the winter for off-season interest. Baptisia has adapted to growing in less-than-ideal conditions by putting down firm roots. Once planted Baptisia should be left undisturbed as it has a tremendous taproot and resents disturbance. We have several varieties available (some in small supply). Some cultivars include 'Purple Smoke', 'Midnight Prairieblues', 'Screaming Yellow', Baptisia spaerocephalum, Baptisia 'Carolina Moonlight' and a Purple & Yellow seed strain. All are supreme garden plants. We also have a rarely seen Baptisia called Baptisia minor that is essentially a dwarf form of B. australis, ideally suited to the smaller garden.

Hardy to Zone 3.