Baptisia alba aka White Wild Indigo

Baptisia alba, or white wild indigo, belongs to the pea family. It is native to the southeastern United States. NC State gives a broader eastern and central range. It grows in dry woods and forms long-lived, upright clumps. This herbaceous perennial loses its leaves each year. Its deep roots make established plants hard to move. Choose its place with that root system in mind.

Garden size varies across the sources. RHS lists heights of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 m]. NC State gives 2–6 feet [0.6–1.8 m]. Spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 m] at RHS. NC State lists widths of 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 m]. The leaves have three leaflets and a blue-gray cast. Smooth, round stems range from green to deep purple. The foliage turns almost black in fall.

White to cream pea-shaped flowers rise above the leaves. Their spikes can reach 1.5 feet [0.46 m] long. Chicago lists bloom in May and June. Missouri Botanical Garden gives June and July. Young plants may need three years before they flower. Puffy pods follow the blooms and turn from green to black. These pods add interest after the flowers fade. Butterflies and bumblebees visit the flowers. Two duskywing butterflies use the plant to feed their young.

Grow it in full sun or light shade. It prefers soil that drains well and withstands dry spells. Sandy or rocky soil suits it, but it also tolerates clay. RHS recommends soil rich in humus, with acid or neutral pH. The plant also tolerates poor soil and helps hold soil against erosion. Published USDA ranges span zones 5–9; RHS rates it H7. It needs little routine care. Cut back the stems after frost blackens the leaves. Uncut stems can break loose and blow away in winter.

Use it behind lower plants in beds or borders. It also suits prairie, cottage, native, and pollinator gardens. Plant it alone or in small groups. RHS also lists it for cut flowers. Serious pest and disease problems are uncommon, and deer cause little damage. Avoid sites near black walnut trees because juglone can harm it. NC State flags low-severity poisoning risk. The evidence does not establish any edible use.