Comments:  Baptisia australis or Blue Wild Indigo or False Indigo or Rattlebush is a herbaceous perennial with a low growth habit.  It is a native of eastern USA.  In late Spring, Baptisia australis produces showy spikes of lupine-like, blue flowers, held above lovely blue-green smooth foliage.  This is followed later by seeds. The freshly cut flowers and dried seedpods pf Blue Wild Indigo look lovely in floral arrangements.  Hummingbirds are magnetized by the nectar-rich flowers. False Indigo is easily propagated from seeds, cuttings or divisions.  It performs best in well-drained, moist, clayey, acidic soil in a sunny environment.  Baptisia australis is low maintenance and tolerates drought conditions, hence is excellent for xeriscaping.  Deers would not go near Rattlebush.  In early Spring, before new growth appears, cut Blue Wild Indigo back to ground level.  Mass plant as a backdrop for shorter perennials for a terrific display.  False Indigo can also be container cultivated.  It is an attention getter.  Baptisia australis is a useful palnt.  Blue dye is made from this plant.  It is a medicinal plant to the Native Americans who used the roots in herbal tea as an anti-inflammtory, emetic and purgative.  Research is also under study on this plant as a potential immune system booster.

USDA Zones:  3-10