White wild indigo Baptisia alba
White wild indigo (Baptisia alba) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Fabaceae family, native to Prairies and open woods of the eastern and central United States. It grows 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
Plan White wild indigo in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
White wild indigo at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Prairies and open woods of the eastern and central United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is White wild indigo toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts, especially seeds
Baptisias contain quinolizidine alkaloids: eating them causes stomach upset; livestock avoid them.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with White wild indigo
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about White wild indigo
- How far apart should I plant White wild indigo?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does White wild indigo need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does White wild indigo need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is White wild indigo?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does White wild indigo flower?
- From about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is White wild indigo poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Baptisias contain quinolizidine alkaloids: eating them causes stomach upset; livestock avoid them.
- What grows well with White wild indigo?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Illinois Wildflowers (descriptions and insect-visitor records), John Hilty, illinoiswildflowers.info
Notes and assumptions
- A tallgrass prairie plant: deep roots make it drought-proof once established; it wants sun and lean soil (rich soil makes it flop). Leave the stems standing in winter for seed-eating birds and overwintering insects.
- A bushy perennial with blue-grey clover-like leaves on charcoal stems and tall spires of white pea flowers in late spring, followed by inflated black pods that rattle. Slow to start but lives for decades; resents being moved.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis