After flowering, green seed pods develop. The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) has named Baptisia, Baptisia australis, as the 2010 Perennial of the Year. Each year since 1990 members of PPA choose a representative perennial that adapts to a broad range of climate zones, requires minimal maintenance once established, and offers attractive characteristics over several seasons.

Baptisia, commonly known as blue false indigo, wild indigo, indigo weed, rattleweed, and rattlebrush, is native to the eastern United States and may be found as a wildflower in woods, thickets, and along streambanks from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. Several features of Baptisia disclose its membership in the Legume family of plants: pea–like blossoms, dry pea pods, hard seed coat, and clover–like leaves.

If you like sweet peas and lupine, you’ll love their cousin Baptisia. In May and June, purple–blue flowers bloom in 12” long racemes atop flower stalks above a mass of clover–like, trifoliate, blue–green foliage.

After flowers fade, inflated seed pods form. The 2.5 inch ripened charcoal pods have ornamental interest if left on the plant or if removed to be used in dry arrangements. Shrunken dry seeds rattle around inside the pods. Children enjoy using the pods as wind chimes or rattles. Early American settlers used the plant as a substitute for true indigo when making dyes.

The plant performs best in full–sun but tolerates partial shade. It grows in all soil types provided they drain well. The plant is hardy in zones 3–9. Once established the perennial is drought tolerant.

Except for rust, fungal leaf spot, or powdery mildew, the plant has no serious pests or disease problems. Alkaloids in plant tissues may make the plant distasteful to browsing animals like deer and rabbit.

The pea–like blossom is a clue to the Legume family of plants. Since Baptisia australis matures to three to four feet in height as well as spread, siting the plant in anticipation of its mature potential is important. The long tap root discourages transplanting.

Landscapers suggest placing at the back of a border or showing its magnificence as a single specimen. In a border, consider native plant companions such as wild bergamot, little bluestem, and tall white beardtongue.

Blue false indigo is found in cottage gardens, native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, in meadows, and prairie restorations. Cut flower spikes hold up well in indoor arrangements.

Butterfly gardeners use Baptisia as a host plant for orange sulphur, clouded sulphur, frosted elfin, eastern tailed blue, hoary edge and wild indigo duskywing butterflies. False indigo is the sole native food for the latter species.

Baptisia is propagated by seed. Plants self–seed. The tough seed coat requires scarification for germination. Seedlings should be transplanted when small. The taproot prohibits division and transplanting. Some gardeners report success in rooting stem cuttings. Check native plant nurseries for plants in early spring.

Baptisia australis is a deep–rooted and long–living perennial for the home garden.