Cream Wild Indigo

Cream Wild Indigo (Baptisia bracteata)

Cream Wild Indigo is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial that produces stunning pale-yellow to creamy-white blooms in early spring. This leguminous plant not only enriches the soil but also plays a crucial role in supporting native pollinators and insects. Its deep roots make it well-suited to prairie and meadow plantings, while its ecological benefits help maintain biodiversity in various landscapes.

Key Characteristics:

• Pollinator Magnet for Native Bees and Butterflies
  Cream Wild Indigo’s early blooms attract a wide range of pollinators, including native bees and butterflies like the Eastern Tailed-Blue. The flowers provide essential early-season nectar when few other plants are in bloom.

• Nitrogen Fixation for Soil Health
  As a legume, Cream Wild Indigo fixes nitrogen in the soil through its relationship with beneficial bacteria. This improves soil fertility and supports the growth of surrounding plants, making it a valuable addition to meadows and permaculture systems.

• Larval Host for Butterfly Species
  This plant serves as a larval host for the Wild Indigo Duskywing and other butterfly species, playing a critical role in their life cycles. Its presence in a garden can help support and increase local butterfly populations.

• Traditional Medicinal Uses
  Historically, Native American tribes used parts of the plant for various remedies, primarily the root, which was prepared as a poultice to treat inflammation and ease pain.

• Low-Maintenance Plant for Native Gardens
  Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils make Cream Wild Indigo an excellent choice for naturalized areas, prairies, or pollinator gardens. It’s especially useful in areas with dry, sandy, or rocky soils where other plants might struggle.

Product Details:

• Native range: Central and Eastern U.S.
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil requirements: Dry to medium, well-drained soils
• Mature height: 2-3 feet
• Bloom time: Early spring to late spring
• Bloom color: Pale yellow to creamy white
• USDA Hardiness zones: 4-8

Cream Wild Indigo is a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to any garden, offering ecological benefits for pollinators and soil health. Perfect for meadows, prairie plantings, and native pollinator gardens.