Marcus, Joseph A.
Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea (Nutt.) Kartesz & Gandhi
Longbract wild indigo, Cream false indigo, Plains wild indigo, Cream wild indigo, Large-bracted wild indigo
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Cream false indigo is an exquisite
perennial, 1-2 ft. tall with a wide, bushy habit. The branches cascade under the weight of the sometimes foot-long flower spikes. The leaves are
alternate, 1 1/2–4 inches long, divided into 3 distinct segments; but the
stipules are so large that they are sometimes mistaken for leaves. The velvety leaves, held in groups of five, lose their green color by late summer and change to a dark gray or black. Individual flowers are cream-colored and pea-like.
This species can be damaged by wind and it needs support from companion plants. Seedlings are slow to mature, taking several years to bloom. Flowers are showier on dry sites.
Image Gallery:
16 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AR , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NE , NJ , OK , SD , TN , TX , WI
Native Distribution: S. MI to MN & s.e. NE, s. to KY, LA & n.TX
Native Habitat: Prairies; open woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Well-drained, sandy to loamy soils.
Last Update: 2010-05-23
