Grayhairy Wild Indigo

Baptisia cinerea, commonly known as Grayhairy Wild Indigo, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the eastern United States, particularly in regions such as dry prairies, open woods, and along roadsides. This species typically grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet, exhibiting an upright form with a bushy appearance. The leaves are compound, consisting of three leaflets that are grayish-green and covered in fine hairs, giving the plant its common name. The flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer, are pea-like and can range in color from pale yellow to creamy white, forming dense racemes that attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The fruit is a flat, elongated pod that matures to a dark brown, containing several seeds that are dispersed by wind and water, contributing to the plant’s spread in its native habitat.