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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White flowers of Baptisia alba
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

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.

Where Should I Start?

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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.

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