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Baptisia bracteata

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Kemper Code:  Q490

Common Name: false indigo
Zone: 3 to 9
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Fabaceae
Missouri Native: Yes
Native Range: Eastern United States
Height: 2 to 2.5 feet
Spread: 2 to 2.5 feet
Bloom Time: May - June   Bloom Data
Bloom Color: Creamy white
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low


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Plant Culture and Characteristics

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  Uses:       Wildlife:   Flowers:   Leaves:   Fruit:
Hedge Suitable as annual Attracts birds Has showy flowers Leaves colorful Has showy fruit
Shade tree Culinary herb Attracts Has fragrant flowers Leaves fragrant Fruit edible
Street tree Vegetable   hummingbirds Flowers not showy Good fall color   Other:
Flowering tree Water garden plant Attracts Good cut flower Evergreen Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1') Will naturalize   butterflies Good dried flower     Thorns or spines

General Culture:

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of hot and humid summers, poor soils and drought. A long-lasting perennial that can be left undisturbed.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This Missouri native features erect, branching stems of alternate, trifoliate leaves growing to 30" high with racemes of creamy white, pea-like flowers resembling lupines in shape. Flowers give way to blackish, showy seed pods which are attractive in dried flower arrangements. Found in the wild throughout Missouri in dry, open woods and prairies.

Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.

No serious insect or disease problems. May need some support when grown in part shade.

Uses:

May be grown as specimens or background plants in perennial borders, wild gardens, prairies, or naturalized areas.

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