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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 captivating 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.

Accepted Species
Consists of 18 species and 7 infraspecific taxa

Hybrid Species
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'a Trial Garden have directed their efforts towards introducing new varieties. Among the hybrids cultivated are:

6 hybrids

- 'Carolina Moonlight'

- 'Purple Smoke'

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.

Threats
Voles love the roots

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, while leaf tea was used to counteract mercurial salivation and as an external astringent for cuts and wounds.

Baptisia tinctoria had 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 demonstated 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.

Reworded:

Baptisia tictoria was used by indigenous peopes for a root tea as an emetic and purgative; cold tea was used to stop vomiting. A poultice of the root was used for toothaches, to allay inflammation; wash used for cuts and wounds, bruises and sprains. Historically, fresh root tea was considered laxative, astringent, anti-septic. Used for typhus and scarlet fever; gargled for sore throats. Tea used as a wash for leg, arm, and stomach cramps, wounds. Said to stimulate bile secretion. Root poultice for grangrenous ulcers. German studies shown the extract stimulates the immune sytem. Warning that large doses are potentially harmful. Mohegans of southern New England steeped the root to obtain a medicine with which they bathed cuts and wounds, and the pioneers followed them in this practice. The plant had a reputation as an effective antiseptic, especially when fever accompanied a wound. For a decade, during the early 19th century, the U.S. Pharmacopeia carried wild indigo, as doctors made trials of extracts derived from the plant to treat typhoid fever. Experiemental doses and overdoses of the root tincture and powder resulted in symptoms similar to those of the onset of typhoid, and this led practitioners of homeopathy to hope for cures in actual cases of the disease.

https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30006139-2
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30006139-2/general-information

https://www.jstor.org/stable/2394327

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alvin-Diamond/publication/280622971_The_genus_Baptisia_in_Alabama/links/55ca5c2408aeb975674a4b5a/The-genus-Baptisia-in-Alabama.pdf

https://canr.udel.edu/udbg/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2018/03/BAPTISIA-Genus-Overview.pdf

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=26466#null

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/baptisia-australis/