Wild Indigo, Blue wild indigo, Blue False Indigo

Baptisia australis

Physical Characteristics

Baptisia australis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern and Central N. America - Pennsylvania to Georgia, west to Texas, Nebraska and Indiana.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiemetic Appetizer Digestive Emetic Purgative Appetizer, digestive[61]. The root is antiemetic, emetic and purgative[222, 257]. There are confusing reports from two sources that the plant is used as an emetic and also that a cold tea is given to stop vomiting[222, 257]. A poultice of the root is anti-inflammatory and is held in the mouth to treat toothaches[222]. The plant is under investigation as a potential stimulant of the immune system[222].

Known Hazards

A report says that the plant is potentially toxic[222].