Wild Indigo
Baptisia tinctoria
PLANT NAME
Wild Indigo
COMMON NAMES
Yellow Wild Indigo, Horsefly Weed, Rattleweed
BOTANICAL NAME
Baptisia tinctoria
IDENTIFICATION
A bushy, herbaceous perennial in the legume family, growing 2 to 3 feet tall. It has clover-like, bluish-green trifoliate leaves and loose spikes of bright yellow pea-like flowers, which develop into inflated seed pods.
IDENTIFICATION IMAGE
AI ART TO BE GENERATED
PARTS TRADITIONALLY USED
Roots.
CULINARY USES
Not edible; toxic if ingested.
TRADITIONAL USES
Used as an immunostimulant and antimicrobial. Traditionally used to treat infections of the ear, nose, and throat (like tonsillitis and pharyngitis), as well as topically for ulcers and infected wounds.
GROWING / HARVESTING
Grows in dry, sandy, or poor soils in open woods or clearings. Deep taproot makes it drought resistant but difficult to transplant. Roots are harvested in late autumn.
SAFETY / CAUTION
High doses are toxic and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Avoid during pregnancy and lactation. Use only under professional guidance. Always consult your doctor before using.
RELATED PLANTS
Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis).