Blue Wild Indigo

Yes, Native Americans and early European settlers historically used the roots of Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis) to create a blue dye. While it is a member of the legume family, it yields a less potent dye than true indigo (Indigofera tinctoria).

Blue Wild Indigo is a long-lived prairie perennial that can take up to three years to produce its first flowers when grown from seed. Once established, it develops a deep taproot and produces striking spikes of deep blue flowers in late spring.

Yes, this robust prairie native is highly drought tolerant due to its deep root system that can extend several feet into the ground. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping.

After the blue flowers fade, Blue Wild Indigo develops inflated, pea-like seed pods that turn black in late summer. These ornamental pods often rattle in the wind and historically were used by children as makeshift rattles.