White Wild Indigo (Baptisia lactea)

White Wild Indigo

Baptisia lactea

Baptisia lactea, also known as White Wild Indigo or White False Indigo, is a robust perennial that can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet. It features erect, branching stems with trifoliate leaves and produces showy, spike-like racemes of white, pea-shaped flowers from late spring to early summer. This species is commonly found in prairies, savannas and open woodlands, preferring well-drained soils ranging from sandy to loamy textures. White Wild Indigo is appreciated in landscaping for its striking floral displays and its ability to fix nitrogen, enhancing soil fertility. It is well-suited for prairie restorations and naturalistic garden settings. Due to habitat loss from agriculture land use practices, Baptisia lactea is listed as a State Special Concern species by the Minnesota DNR.

Characteristics

Product Form	Plant, Seed
Type	Woody
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Soil	Clay, Loam, Sand/Gravel, Calcareous
Moisture	Dry, Mesic
Average Max Height (inches)	60
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	36
Bloom month(s)	May, June, July
Bloom Color or Type	White
Dominance	Medium

Range Maps

Sowing Information

Sow seed onto a firm, weed-free seedbed. Hand-broadcast seed making two perpendicular passes for even coverage. If planting a mix, broadcast the grass component first and lightly rake/drag it into the top 1/8–1/4" of soil. Next, broadcast wildflower/forb seed and press it into the soil surface (with a roller/cultipacker or the back of a rake) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After seeding, apply a very light layer of clean, seed-free straw (or other weed-free, site-appropriate mulch) to reduce erosion and retain moisture without smothering seedlings. A good rainfall or thorough watering will help settle seed and mulch and improve germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.