Upright spikes of creamy white pealike flowers that are pollinated by bumble bees appear in late spring over blue-gray foliage. Flowers are followed by interesting pods that can be used in dried arrangements. The plant form is shrublike. Takes a few years to establish but it is very long-lived. Host plant for larvae of the Wild Indigo Duskywing butterfly.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
White False Indigo
Baptisia alba
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Prairie
Season of Interest:
Main Color: White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Photo: Mervin Wallace

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate

Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Food/Pollinators

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
48 to
inches
Spread:
24 to
36
inches
Size
Height: 48 to
inches
Spread: 24 to
36
inches
Size
Height: 48 to
inches
Spread: 24 to
36
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Borders, prairies, meadows and native plant gardens.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. Tolerates drought and poor soil.
Special Features
Special Usage
Dried Flower, Fresh Cut Flower
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.