Description
White Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba) is a striking member of the pea family (Fabaceae), easily recognized by its tall, showy white flower spikes. This herbaceous perennial legume forms a compact, shrub-like shape with elongated stems that can reach up to 10 inches long and ¾ inches wide, though often shorter.
One of the earliest native wildflowers to bloom in spring, White Wild Indigo adds seasonal interest while supporting native ecosystems. Its flowers and seed pods attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees and caterpillar species, while also resisting browsing by deer. The plant is known for its persistence and is typically left undisturbed by livestock, making it a low-maintenance choice for naturalized areas and prairie restorations.
White Wild Indigo grows 2 to 5 feet tall and thrives in full to partial sun, preferring medium-wet to dry soils. It blooms from early to late spring and is adapted to hardiness zones 4–9. Native to the central and eastern United States, this long-lived perennial is ideal for meadows, borders, and native plant gardens.
