Baptisia bracteata (Cream Wild Indigo)

One of the earliest plants to bloom in the prairie, Baptisia bracteata (Cream Wild Indigo) is an upright perennial with arching, almost weeping stems clad with alternate, trifoliate leaves. From late spring to early summer, it boasts long spikes of pea-shaped, creamy white flowers resembling Lupines. They last about three weeks and are visited by numerous bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and skippers. When the flowers fade away, the lovely gray-green, trifoliate leaves remain neat and form a lovely backdrop for the other perennials in the garden. If left untrimmed, the plant forms interesting inflated seedpods turning deep black in the fall. They often remain attached to the naked winter stems and are valued additions to dried flower arrangements. Looking good with almost everything, Cream Wild Indigo prefers open areas with reduced competition from taller vegetation. It makes a striking specimen for the small garden where an easy-to-grow, long-lived plant is desired.

• Grows up to 24-30 in. tall and wide (60-120 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerates partial shade, but full sun is preferred. Tolerates poor soils and drought. No supplemental water is needed once established.
• Do not disturb it once established, as it develops a deep taproot that is easily damaged if you try to transplant it.
• Looks stunning in beds and borders, cottage gardens, prairies or meadows, and native plant gardens. Great as a specimen plant or in small groups.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame.
• The plant is potentially toxic.
• Native to the central and eastern United States.