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Baptisia lactea

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Baptisia Lactea 2 Baptisia Lactea 3 Baptisia Lactea 1 Baptisia Lactea Baptisia Lactea 5 Baptisia Lactea 4
Baptisia Lactea 2 Baptisia Lactea 3 Baptisia Lactea 1 Baptisia Lactea Baptisia Lactea 5 Baptisia Lactea 4

Baptisia lactea

Common Name: White Wild Indigo

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

Baptisia Lactea Usa Range Map
Baptisia Lactea Mn Range Map

Sowing Information

For most homeowners, the recommended method is to hand-broadcast seed at a minimum rate of 16–64 PLS (Pure Live Seed) ounces per acre. To ensure even coverage, broadcast the seed in perpendicular passes across the site. Grass seed should be broadcast first and lightly raked into the soil. Afterward, apply a light mulch layer using clean, seed-free straw or, preferably, our native Little Bluestem straw, available at our retail garden centers. Once mulching is complete, broadcast native wildflower seed over the area without raking it in. A good rainfall or thorough watering will provide sufficient soil contact for successful 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.
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