View Larger Blue False Indigo

Planted at Mount Vernon

Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    3 3 4 4b 5 5b 6 6b 7 7b 8 8b 9 9b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 3 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

    This unique plant features bright blue-purple flowers on tall green stalks followed by interesting black seedpods. It forms a deep taproot and does not transplant well, so be certain of its location before planting.

    Latin Name

    Baptisia australis


    Family

    Fabaceae


    Also Known As

    Rattleweed , Blue Wild Indigo ,


    Type of Plant

    Perennials Perennials

    Bloom Season

    May - June


    Seasons

    Spring Spring
    Summer Summer

    Specifications

    Max height Max Height: 4'
    Max spread Max Spread: 4'

    Uses

  • Flower Border
  • Naturalize

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Tolerances

  • Drought
  • Rabbit
  • Clay Soil
  • Erosion
  • Dry Soil
  • Shallow-Rocky Soil

  • Attracted Wildlife

    Butterflies Butterflies

    Toxicity

    Do not ingest Do not ingest

    Colors


    Native Range

    Eastern United States


    History

    False indigo was originally cultivated as a potential dye, but the color proved weaker than true indigo. It was noted in the early 18th century by Williamsburg naturalist John Clayton.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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