Blue False Indigo
Baptisia australis
This North American native wildflower, introduced to Britain by 1724, was grown in early American gardens as a source of blue dye, to substitute for the costly true imported indigo.
The native Blue False Indigo, introduced to Britain by 1724, was grown in early American gardens as a source of blue dye, to substitute for the costly true imported indigo. This species was noted by Williamsburg naturalist John Clayton in the early 18th century and listed in the catalog of Philadelphia nurserymen John and William Bartram in 1784. Once established, this long-lived perennial is drought tolerant and its attractive blossoms and foliage make it a fine subject for the flower border or wild garden. The showy, inflated black seed pods are used in both fresh and dried flower arrangements.
Herbaceous, spring-flowering North American perennial grows Grows 3 to 5 feet high and produces deep indigo blue, pea-like flowers in clusters above shrubby plants with bright blue-green foliage.
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
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Heirloom Seeds and Plants from the Monticello collection
Plant history in your gardens with seeds and plants from Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
