Plants in genus baptisia
Baptisia alba
Baptisia alba, or white wild indigo, is native to central and eastern North America. It features white, pea-like flowers and serves as a host plant for certain caterpillars and moths. This plant is toxic to cows and possibly humans.
Baptisia perfoliata
Baptisia perfoliata, native to the southeastern United States, is a perennial plant recognized for its blue-grey rounded foliage and striking yellow flowers that bloom in midsummer. The plant reaches about 3 feet in height and is known for its structural presence in gardens, providing interest even in winter with its sturdy form. Its unique leaf arrangement, where the stem appears to pierce through the leaves, adds to its visual appeal. This plant is also appreciated for its ability to attract butterflies and resist rabbits, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. It thrives in sunny locations and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.
Baptisia simplicifolia
Baptisia simplicifolia is a plant endemic to the Florida Panhandle, known for its thick, glossy-green eucalyptus-like leaves. It is deer-resistant and emerges from dormancy in late May or early June. This plant produces short spikes of bright yellow flowers in mid-July, adding a splash of color to gardens.
Baptisia nuttalliana
Baptisia nuttalliana is a flowering plant native to east Texas, forming 18-inch tall and wide clumps. It produces yellow pea-like flowers in early to mid-May and is a member of the legume family. This plant is suitable for sun to part sun conditions and adds a touch of color to gardens.
Baptisia lanceolata
Baptisia lanceolata is a small perennial native to the southeastern United States, growing up to 15 inches tall and 18 inches wide. It produces clusters of bright yellow flowers in early spring, though it is not as showy as other Baptisia species. This plant is of true botanical interest and is often found in dry, sandy areas like those in Gadsden County, Florida. It forms clumps about 20 inches wide and is known for its resilience, being rabbit resistant and suitable for rain gardens. It thrives in full sun to part sun conditions.
Baptisia megacarpa
Baptisia megacarpa is a native plant of Georgia, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle, known for its drought and flood tolerance. It has an arched habit with yellow flowers in late spring, primarily pollinated by bees.
Baptisia alba var. alba
Baptisia alba var. alba, a southern form of white baptisia, is known for its large blackened, drooping seed pods and blue-green foliage. It forms a 3-foot tall and wide mound, topped with 1-2 foot tall spikes of pure white flowers in late spring. This plant is deer-resistant and forms a full-figured, upright clump up to 4 feet tall. It thrives in full sun and is a vigorous grower, making it a striking addition to gardens.
Baptisia alba var. macrophylla
Baptisia alba var. macrophylla is a long-lived perennial native to the Midwest, featuring blue-green foliage and lupine-like spires of pure-white flowers. It grows to a height of at least 4 feet and blooms in early to mid-April. This plant is rabbit-resistant and attracts butterflies, making it a valuable addition to sunny garden areas.
Baptisia australis
Baptisia australis, native to North America, is a perennial herb known for its blue lupine-like flowers and trifoliate leaves. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to part shade, attracting bees and being drought-tolerant. Historically, it was used by Native Americans for dye and medicinal purposes.
Baptisia 'White Gold'
Baptisia 'White Gold' is a North American native plant featuring striking golden foliage and creamy white flowers that bloom in early-to-mid May. This compact plant forms a clump about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it suitable for various garden styles. It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, thriving in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Baptisia 'Royal Candles'
Baptisia 'Royal Candles' is a striking perennial known for its tall spikes of royal purple flowers that bloom in late April. This hybrid plant, a cross between Baptisia australis and Baptisia tinctoria, features dark purple stems and narrow, glaucous green leaves. It grows to about 30 inches tall and can spread up to 6 feet wide, making it a substantial addition to any garden. The plant is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Its vibrant flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding life and movement to the landscape. As a native North American plant, it is well-suited to a variety of garden settings, including cottage and rain gardens. Baptisia 'Royal Candles' is also a great option for cut flowers, providing long-lasting blooms for indoor arrangements. Its adaptability to different soil types and conditions makes it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their outdoor spaces.
Baptisia 'Lighthouse'
Baptisia 'Lighthouse' is a tall perennial reaching up to 6 feet, with 26-inch long stalks of pure white flowers that bloom around April 10. It is the earliest flowering of the baptisias, making it a standout in spring gardens.
Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea
Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea is a Midwest native plant with blue-green, pea-like foliage and creamy yellow flowers. It grows up to 18 inches tall and 3 feet wide, making it a compact, deer-resistant addition to gardens.
Baptisia 'Grape Taffy'
Baptisia 'Grape Taffy' is a compact, deciduous plant with glaucous green, pea-like foliage. It produces spikes of very dark purple flowers in late April, making it a striking addition to gardens. This plant is suitable for dry cactus gardens or pond-edge settings, offering both beauty and resilience.
Baptisia 'American Goldfinch'
Baptisia 'American Goldfinch' is a hybrid perennial developed by Hans Hansen, known for its striking pure yellow flowers that bloom in late April. This plant forms a clump about 3.5 feet tall and 5 feet wide, making it a substantial addition to gardens. It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, thriving in full sun and well-drained soils. 'American Goldfinch' attracts pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds, adding life and movement to the garden. Its vibrant blooms and robust growth make it a popular choice for cottage and prairie-style gardens.
Baptisia 'Dark Net'
Baptisia 'Dark Net' is a plant introduced in 2017, featuring genes from Baptisia albescens. It emerges and flowers with little foliage, producing 5-foot tall jet black stems and 2-foot long spikes of creamy white flowers around May 1. This plant is known for its glaucous green leaves that emerge after the flowers, offering a unique and striking presence in gardens.
Baptisia alba var. macrophylla 'Illinois Form'
Baptisia alba var. macrophylla 'Illinois Form' is a perennial plant known for its large, pure white flowers. It can grow up to 5 feet tall and is native to the United States. This plant is resistant to rabbits and attracts butterflies, making it a great addition to sun or part sun gardens.
Baptisia 'Brownie Points'
Baptisia 'Brownie Points' is a deciduous, drought-tolerant plant with upright green stalks and trifoliate green leaves. It forms a 3-foot-tall by 3.5-foot-wide clump and blooms with amber-colored flowers in late April. This deer-resistant plant is suitable for sun perennials and adds a unique touch to gardens with its distinctive foliage and flowers.
Baptisia 'Blue Candelabra'
Baptisia 'Blue Candelabra' is a tall, upright perennial introduced in 2018, reaching 56 inches in height. It features 2-foot tall spikes of densely spaced blue lavender flowers, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
Baptisia sphaerocarpa 'Hunt Co Texas'
Baptisia sphaerocarpa 'Hunt Co Texas' is a US native plant with rounded blue-green leaves and deer-resistant clumps. It features 12-inch tall spires of pure yellow flowers in mid to late April, followed by spherical tan seedpods in late summer. This plant is heat and drought tolerant, making it suitable for sunny gardens.
Baptisia 'Chrysalis'
Baptisia 'Chrysalis' is a plant introduced by Plant Delights/JLBG in 2020, known for its dark dusky purple new stalks that rise to 4 feet in height. It features 15-inch long flower stalks with violet flowers and is a hybrid of several Baptisia species. This plant is suitable for sun conditions and adds a touch of color to gardens.
Baptisia 'Flying Saucers'
Baptisia 'Flying Saucers' is a deciduous plant forming a clump 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It features small, saucer-shaped leaves and axillary yellow flowers that bloom in mid-May. This plant is drought tolerant and deer resistant, making it a resilient choice for gardens. 'Flying Saucers' is native to Georgia and adds a unique touch to native plant gardens.
Baptisia 'Cinnamon Candles'
Baptisia 'Cinnamon Candles' is a native perennial known for its 50-inch tall spikes of bicolor chocolate and gold flowers that bloom in mid-April. This drought-tolerant plant is a striking addition to gardens, attracting butterflies and providing a unique visual appeal.
Baptisia perfoliata 'Survivor'
Baptisia perfoliata 'Survivor' is a native plant to the Southeast, featuring lime-green rounded foliage and yellow pea-like flowers in midsummer. It forms deer-resistant clumps that are 3 feet tall and wide, providing sturdy structure in winter. This plant is a resilient choice for sunny garden areas.
Baptisia 'Pink Lemonade'
Baptisia 'Pink Lemonade' is a unique perennial with flowers that change from yellow to pink and finally mauvy lavender. It forms a 4-foot tall and wide specimen, with floral spikes appearing in late April. This plant is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.
Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'
Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' is a vigorous plant introduced in 1996, known for its charcoal-green stems and lupine-like flower heads of dusty purple. It is deer-resistant and thrives in sun, making it a striking addition to gardens.
Baptisia alba var. alba 'Wayne County Form'
Baptisia alba var. alba 'Wayne County Form' is a southern species forming a 3-foot tall mound with blue-green foliage. It produces 1-2 foot tall spikes of pure white flowers in late spring and is a great substitute for lupines. This plant is native to the United States and attracts butterflies.
Baptisia sphaerocarpa 'Screamin Yellow'
Baptisia sphaerocarpa 'Screamin Yellow' is a drought-tolerant perennial with bright yellow flowers on 11-inch spikes. It forms a deer-resistant clump and is a selection from native plant expert Larry Lowman.