Chinese indigo

Indigofera decora

Basic Information

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

Genus: indigofera

Plant ID (slug): indigofera-decora

Numeric ID: 19675

USDA Hardiness: 5-7

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Indigofera decora is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked[105, 177]. It can also be dried and ground into a powder then mixed with wheat flour or other cereals when making bread, cakes etc[179].

Medicinal Uses

Miscellany A broth made from the leafy shoots is used in the treatment of cough, dyspepsia, haemorrhage and poisoning[218].