Baptisia australis - (L.)R.Br.

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Summary

Bloom Color: Blue. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.

Physical Characteristics

 
Baptisia australis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a slow rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. It is in leaf 10-May It is in flower from Jul to August, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs)It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Synonyms

B. exaltata.

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Antiemetic;  Appetizer;  Digestive;  Emetic;  Purgative.

Appetizer, digestive[61]. The root is antiemetic, emetic and purgative[222, 257]. There are confusing reports from two sources that the plant is used as an emetic and also that a cold tea is given to stop vomiting[222, 257]. A poultice of the root is anti-inflammatory and is held in the mouth to treat toothaches[222]. The plant is under investigation as a potential stimulant of the immune system[222].

Other Uses

A blue dye is obtained from the plant[257]. No more information is given, but it is likely to be the leaves that are used[K].

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Massing, Seashore. Prefers a deep, well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun[188, 200]. Grows freely in a loamy soil[1]. Succeeds in a hot dry position. Succeeds in a rich moist soil in sun or light shade[187]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187]. A very ornamental species, but it is somewhat shy flowering in British gardens[1]. Plants have a very deep root system and dislike root disturbance, they should be left alone once they are established[188, 233]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. Special Features:Attracts birds, Attractive foliage, North American native, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200]. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water and then sown in a cold frame in late winter or early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer or following spring. Division in spring[188]. Larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Expert comment

Author

(L.)R.Br.

Botanical References

43200

Links / References

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