It can live for decades, forming large, shrub-like clumps over time and thriving in both gardens and prairies.
Develops an extensive taproot system, making it extremely drought-tolerant but difficult to transplant once established.
Produces black, rattling seed pods that persist through winter, providing visual interest and seeds for wildlife.
Early settlers used the plant as a substitute for true indigo to create blue dye, giving rise to its common name.
As a legume, Blue Wild Indigo enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen, benefiting other plants in prairie ecosystems.
It can live for decades, forming large, shrub-like clumps over time and thriving in both gardens and prairies.
Develops an extensive taproot system, making it extremely drought-tolerant but difficult to transplant once established.
Produces black, rattling seed pods that persist through winter, providing visual interest and seeds for wildlife.
Early settlers used the plant as a substitute for true indigo to create blue dye, giving rise to its common name.
As a legume, Blue Wild Indigo enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen, benefiting other plants in prairie ecosystems.
Bloom time: mid- to late spring
Habitats: gravel prairies; rocky banks of rivers; rocky open woodlands
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 4 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: gravelly; rocky
