Baptisia alba var. macrophylla


Common name(s): white wild indigo, white false indigo


Description: perennial; an herb used by many first nations peoples and early settlers to make blue dye before true indigo was commonly available. Baptisia alba is found in open woodlands and grasslands in central and eastern North America. Long lupine-like spikes of white flowers in late spring that become decorative seed pods by late summer. Incredibly drought-tolerant and cold hardy; a very low-maintenance perennial. 


Height: to 4 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.


Position: full sun and well-draining soil


Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators, dyeing, dried floral arrangements


Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below


Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought