There is some disagreement over the correct name for this species. We are following the treatment in Turner, B. L. 2006. Overview of the genus Baptisia (Leguminosae) (Phytologia) 88:254-255, though some authors are treating Baptisia lactea as a synonym of Baptisia alba macrophylla (Larisey) Isely. We are awaiting (2016) the on-line publication of the Flora of N. America for the latest treatment of the genus[].

Common Name: Wild Indigo

General Information

Baptisia lactea is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 1 - 3 erect to ascending stems that can become somewhat woody at the base and persist; the plant is usually less than 100cm tall, but can grow up to 200cm[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and a dye. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its spring flowers and attractive mature seedpods which are used in dried flower arrangements[].

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

,

Range

South-eastern N. America - Minnesota to New York, south through Nebraska and Ohio to Texas and Mississippi

Habitat

Sandy pine woods, prairies, glades, waste areas and river banks[, , ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are hardy to about -20°c[].
Prefers a deep, well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun[, ]. Grows freely in a loamy soil[]. Tolerant of poor soils[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
The plant can be somewhat shy flowering outside its natural habitat[].
Plants can take several years from seed to fully establish themselves. Over time they develop a slowly expanding clump with a very deep root system and do not respond well to 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 plant is used as a cathartic, strong emetic, and, in small doses, as a laxative[, ].

Other Uses

A blue dye is obtained from the leaves. It is an indigo substitute but a lot of leaves are required for even a little indigo[].

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.