Baptisia tinctoria is a compact shrubby legume native to dry fields and open woods of eastern North America. Its delicate blue green foliage and airy spikes of soft yellow flowers provide long season texture and subtle beauty.
Height & Spread: 18 - 36 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or gravelly soils; tolerant of poor fertility
Watering Needs: Low once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This species is native to eastern and central North America, commonly found in dry prairies, barrens, and pine savannas.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Host plant for butterflies such as Wild Indigo Duskywing and Hoary Edge.
Bees
- Visited by long tongued native bees and bumblebees which are effective pollinators of its pea shaped flowers.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 36 in apart to allow for airy branching and prevent crowding.
Landscape Placement
- Best used in naturalistic plantings, dry meadows, and native borders. Its soft foliage and airy bloom structure complement grasses and taprooted wildflowers.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Matches its dry site tolerance and adds structure through fall.
- Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower) - Pairs beautifully in open prairies with its drought hardiness and loose petaled charm.
- Monarda punctata (Spotted Beebalm) - Introduces a late summer nectar source and height contrast in dry native beds.
- Penstemon digitalis (Beardtongue) - Adds upright white blooms and early season pollinator appeal.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Offers bright yellow blooms that mirror Baptisia's subtle flowers while blooming slightly later.