The record for medicinal uses (record []) was under the name Baptisia leucophaea - this taxon is often recognised as a var of Baptisia bracteata (as Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea (Nutt.) Kartesz & Gandhi) - a treatment we are following here. However, B. L. Turner, in 'Overview of the genus Baptisia (Leguminosae)'; (Phytologia) 88:257; 2006 has treated Baptisia leucophaea as a closely related but distinct taxon. We are currently (2016) awaiting the on-line publication of the Flora of N. America in order to see how it has been treated there before making a decision whether or not to resurrect the species. Even if resurrected, it is most likely that the uses listed below will also apply to Baptisia bracteata simply because the species are so closely related[].

Common Name: Plains Wild Indigo

General Information

Baptisia bracteata is a spreading to ascending herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of drooping stems; it can grow around 70cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is a possible indicator of the meatal lead and is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

Most, if not all, of the various species of Baptisia contain the toxic compounds baptisin and cytisine. The toxicity is fairly low, but eating the plants can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea[].

Botanical References

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Range

Eastern N. America - South Dakota to Massachusets, south to Texas and Georgia

Habitat

Dry soils[] on prairies[]. Sandy open woods, prairies, pastures and roadsides in Texas[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.70 m
Pollinators	Bees, Butterflies
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Hardy to about -20°c[].
Prefers a deep, well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun[, ]. Grows freely in a loamy soil[]. Succeeds in a hot dry position. Succeeds in a rich moist soil in sun or light shade[]. Tolerant of poor soils[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
Plants have a very deep root system and dislike root disturbance, they should be left alone once they are established[, ].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The following uses were originally listed for Baptisia leucophaea, a species now often treated as a var of Baptisia bacteata. See nomenclature notes above.

An ointment made from the ground seeds is applied to the stomach in the treatment of colic[].

A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of typhoid and scarlet fever[].

The leaves are astringent and are applied externally to wounds etc[].

Recent research suggests that the plant can stimulate the immune system[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant thrives on soils with high levels of lead and, when groing in abundance, are seen as a possible indication of lead deposits[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water and then sown in a cold frame in late winter or early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer or following spring.
Division in spring[]. Larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.