Baptisia

Baptisia, commonly referred to as wild indigo or false indigo, represents a diverse genus within the legume family, Fabaceae. These flowering herbaceous perennials exhibit an array of characteristics, including pea-like flowers, blooming in the spring that eventually mature into pods, occasionally displaying an inflated form. Renowned for their enduring presence and a spectrum of colours ranging from yellow, blue and white, Baptisia 's captivate gardeners with their colourful stems, unique foliage, and exquisite flowers.

Native to regions spanning from the East to the Midwest of North America, Baptisia species contribute to the natural beauty of various ecosystems. Their flowers, adorned with characteristic wing and keel petals, give rise to bean-like fruit. Typically, their leaves are trifoliate, divided into three segments, often accompanied by small stipules on the petiole, which aid in species identification.

The name "Baptisia" finds its origins in the Greek word "bapto", meaning "to dye" alluding to certain species historically utilized for dye production. Similarly, the common name "False Indigo" highlights the plant's historical role as a substitute for true indigo (Indigofera) from the West Indies.

The cultivation of Baptisia represents one of the earliest instances of agricultural subsidies in America, underscoring its historical significance in the agricultural landscape. The species most commonly found and used in cultivation is B. australis.

Species
Baptisia comprises the following species:


 * Baptisia alba (L.) Vent. —white wild indigo
 * var. alba (L.) Vent.
 * var. macrophylla (Larisey) Isely
 * Baptisia albescens Small


 * Baptisia arachnifera W.H. Duncan —cobwebby wild indigo, hairy rattleweed (limited to two counties in southeastern Georgia)
 * Baptisia australis (L.) R. Br. —blue false indigo, blue wild indigo
 * var. australis (L.) R. Br.
 * var. minor (Lehm.) Fernald
 * Baptisia bicolor Greenm. & Larisey
 * Baptisia bracteata Elliott —longbract wild indigo, Plains wild indigo
 * var. bracteata Elliott
 * var. glabrescens (Larisey) Isely
 * var. laevicaulis (Canby) Isely
 * var. leucophaea (Nutt.) Kartesz & Gandhi


 * Baptisia calycosa Canby —Florida wild indigo
 * var. calycosa Canby
 * var. villosa Canby
 * Baptisia cinerea (Raf.) Fernald & B.G. Schub. —grayhairy wild indigo


 * Baptisia deamii Larisey


 * Baptisia fragilis Larisey


 * Baptisia fulva Larisey


 * Baptisia intercalata Larisey
 * Baptisia intermedia Larisey


 * Baptisia lanceolata (Walter) Elliott —gopherweed (Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina)
 * var. lanceolata (Walter) Elliott
 * var. tomentosa (Larisey) Isely
 * Baptisia lecontei Torr. & A. Gray —pineland wild indigo


 * Baptisia macilenta Small ex Larisey
 * Baptisia megacarpa Torr. & A. Gray —Apalachicola wild indigo
 * Baptisia microphylla Nutt.


 * Baptisia nuttalliana Small —Nuttall's wild indigo


 * Baptisia perfoliata (L.) R. Br. —catbells
 * Baptisia pinetorum Larisey


 * Baptisia serenae M.A. Curtis
 * Baptisia simplicifolia Croom —scareweed
 * Baptisia sphaerocarpa Nutt. —yellow wild indigo, green wild indigo, round wild indigo
 * Baptisia stricta Larisey
 * Baptisia sulphurea Engelm.


 * Baptisia tinctoria (L.) Vent. —rattleweed, wild indigo, horseflyweed, indigo-broom, yellow broom

Species names with uncertain taxonomic status
The status of the following species is unresolved:
 * Baptisia auriculata Sweet
 * Baptisia lupinoides Burb.
 * Baptisia retusa Raf.

Hybrids
It isn't uncommon to see natural crossbreeding occur. In fact, interspecific hybrids are commonly found in nature. Over the past few decades, there has been a notable surge in interest regarding the collection of wild species and, more significantly, the breeding of hybrids. Organizations such as Chicagoland Grows and MT. Cuba Center's Trial Garden have directed their efforts towards introducing new varieties. The following hybrids have been described:


 * Baptisia x bicolor
 * Baptisia × bushii Small
 * Baptisia x deamii
 * Baptisia x microphylla
 * Baptisia x serenae
 * Baptisia x sulphurae
 * Baptisia ×variicolor Kosnik, et al. (Baptisia australis × Baptisia sphaerocarpa)

Ecology
Baptisia can be naturally found in forested habitats, particularly along woodland borders, where they can reach heights of 3 to 4 feet. Renowned for their resilience, Baptisia species can endure high heats, drought periods, along with notable resistance to diseases. Optimal growth conditions include full sun exposure, though certain white-flowered varieties can endure partial shade. While they prefer deep, nutrient-rich soils, Baptisia varieties exhibit tolerance to poorer soil conditions.

Baptisia 's flowers are known to attract a diverse array of insects, including butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Additionally this plant plays a crucial role as a larval host for several butterfly and moth species, such as the Orange Sulphur, Clouded Sulphur, Frosted Elfin, Eastern Tailed Blue, Hoary Edge, Wild Indigo Dusky Wing, and Jaguar Flower Moth. These relationships highlight the diverse ways in which Baptisia contributes to the broader ecological balance.

Traditional uses
Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea, commonly known as cream wild indigo, has historically served various medicinal purposes. An ointment comprising seed powder mixed with buffalo fat was applied to the stomach to alleviate colic. Additionally, root tea was previously administered for conditions such as typhoid and scarlet fever. A tea, made from the leaves and stalks, was used to treat snake bites, as it has astringent and antiseptic properties, as well as to counteract mercurial salivation.

Baptisia tinctoria, was commonly used by indigenous communities for its several medicinal purposes. A root tea was employed as both an emetic and purgative, while cold tea was utilized to alleviate vomiting. The Mohegans of southern New England used a poultice made from the root was applied to relieve toothaches and inflammation, and the root wash was used for cuts, wounds, bruises, and sprains. The tea was also applied topically to alleviate leg, arm, and stomach cramps and wounds, with additional claims of stimulating bile secretion. German studies have demonstrated that extracts from the plant stimulate the immune system, although caution is advised regarding large doses due to potential harm. During the early 19th century, the U.S. Pharmacopeia included wild indigo, as doctors experimented with extracts derived from the plant to treat typhoid fever. Experimental use of root tinctures and powders resulted in symptoms resembling those of the onset of typhoid, leading practitioners of homeopathy to anticipate potential cures for the disease.