Common Name: Wild Indigo

General Information

Baptisia tinctoria is an erect, perennial plant producing groups of 1 - 3 much-branched stems that can become more or less woody, especially near the base; it can grow up to 100cm tall[, ].
A favourite medicinal herb of the native N. Americans, the plant is still often used in modern herbalism, being havested from the wild for this, as well as being the source of a dye, an insect repellent and occasionally also as a food, The plant is often grown as an ornamental, valued for its floral display and attractive black seedpods which can be 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

Eastern N. America - Ontario to Maine, south to Iowa, Tennessee and Georgia

Habitat

Dry soils in open woods and clearings[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.90 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a deep, rich, well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun, but also tolerating some shade[, , ]. Grows freely in a loamy soil. Plants are tolerant of poor soils[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
Plants are shy flowering in British gardens[, ].
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

Young shoots - cooked. An asparagus substitute[, , , ]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

Wild indigo was a favourite medicine of the native N. Americans, a decoction of the roots being used as an antiseptic wash for wounds and skin complaints[, ].
Modern research has shown that this acrid bitter herb stimulates the immune system[, ] and is particularly effective against bacterial infections[].
Some caution is advised in the internal use of this plant, large or frequent doses are potentially harmful[].

A tea made from the roots is cholagogue, emetic, febrifuge and purgative[, , , , ]. The fresh root is also considered to be antiseptic, astringent and laxative[, , , , ]. The infusion is used in the treatment of upper respiratory infections such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis, and is also valuable in treating infections of the chest, gastro-intestinal tract and skin[].The plants antimicrobial and immune-stimulant properties combat lymphatic problems, when used with detoxifying herbs such as Arctium lappa it helps to reduce enlarged lymph nodes[]. Wild indigo is frequently prescribed, along with Echinacea, in the treatment of chronic viral infections or chronic fatigue syndrome[].
A decoction of the root soothes sore or infected nipples and infected skin conditions[]. When used as a mouth wash or gargle the decoction treats mouth ulcers, gum infections and sore throats[].

The fresh root, including the bark, is used to make a homeopathic medicine[]. This has a limited range of action, but is used especially in the treatment of certain types of flu[].

Other Uses

This species is related to the tropical plant Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) and, like that species, contains a blue dyestuff in the leaves[]. The dyestuff is only contained in very low concentrations, however, and a very large quantity of leaves would be required to obtain reasonable quantities of indigo[]. A yellow dye can also be obtained from the plant[].

If the growing plant is harvested and hung up, it is said to repel flies[].

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.