|
Image of
hummingbird attractor,
Baptisia
australis or Blue
Wild Indigo coming
soon... |
|
Baptisia
australis
(Blue False Indigo,
Blue Wild Indigo, Horse Fly Weed, Indigo Weed, Rattlebush Rattleweed) |
Origin: Native of U.S.
Family: Papilioniaceae
Light: Full sun
Height: 3-4'
Spread: 2-3'
Blooms: Showy, long lasting, purple, pea-like, slight evening scent, late
Spring
Foliage: Attractive,
herbaceous, gray-green
Soil: Well-drained, stony, lime-free, mildly acidic, neutral, drought tolerant when
established
Water: Low
Propagation:
Seeds (Sow directly onto permanent location in ground in Fall) ,
cuttings
Uses: Xeriscaping, perennial boders/bedding, containers, cut
flower, ornamental dried seedpods
Comments:
Baptisia
australis or
Blue False Indigo
or Blue Wild Indigo or Horse Fly Weed or Indigo Weed or Rattlebush or
Rattleweed
is
a hardy perennial herbal plant with attractive foliage. In late Spring or early
Summer, beautiful pea-like purple blossoms appear among grayish-green
leaves. The long-lasting
pea-like Blue False Indigo
blossoms
make ideal cut flowers and they are hummingbird's delight. After
flowering season is over, beautiful seedpods appear which looks great in
crafts. Trim
Horse Fly Weed
by one third after flowering and
to the ground in early
Spring.
Baptisia australis is
easily propagated from seeds sown direcly onto permanent area in ground
in the Fall or from cuttings.
Rattlebush is
carefree
and low maintenance.
Blue Wild Indigo
does not like its roots being disturbed so plant seed in permanent area
of landscape in well-drained, mildly acidic or neutral soil.
Rattlebush
is drought tolerant; it makes an excellent xeriscaping plant in
perennial borders or beds.
It can also be container
cultivated to add colors to the deck or patio. Baptisia australis self sows
and by next season, you will have many plants to share with friends.
Provide sufficient space for
this gorgeous plant
to expand. The cane-like stems of
Blue False Indigo adds
Winter interest. In its native habitat,
Indigo Weed is found growing in open fields, along streams and borders
of woods. Various
parts of
Rattleweed has been
used in traditional medicine by the
American
tribal Indians. The flowers to get blue dye, the roots in teas for
the treatment of toothaches and nausea and as an eyewash.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 3-10 |
