False Indigo, Blue Indigo (Baptisia australis)

Like most of its genus, Baptisia australis spends its first few years developing mostly below ground. The branching foliage and blossoms become showier and more developed with each subsequent growing season.  For potted seedlings, this means they may have shorter, possibly floppy stems for the first couple of years before taking on a shrubbier appearance. Probably the most familiar and wide-ranging of Baptisias, Blue Wild Indigo can provide an early deep blue flare in spring in native plantings where its bushy structure complements summer bloomers. In addition to its many pollinators, Wild Blue Indigo is one of the host plants for the Wild Indigo Duskywing.
 
Their 4' height and branching habit make wide spacing advisable in home landscaping. The dried stems with seed pods are ideal for dried floral arrangements. If you have dry soils and want a smaller Blue Indigo try Baptisia minor (Dwarf Blue Indigo).
 
Zone: 3 to 9 
Height: 3.00 to 4.00 feet 
Spread: 3.00 to 4.00 feet 
Bloom Time: May to June 
Sun: Full sun to part shade 
Water: Dry to medium 
Maintenance: Low 
Tolerate: Rabbit, Drought, Erosion, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil