Indigo, Wild
Baptisia tinctoria
Family: Fabaceae
Woody perennial. Native to the American south-eastern seaboard
and southern states. Flowers yellow, seed-pods decorative, blue-black.
In nature, grows on sloping, sandy ground and is rarely found where soil
is humusy. In fact, these days it is rarely found. By cultivating
it, we can assure the continuation of this valuable species. The Eclectics
were extremely fond of this hardy sub-shrub with its knotty wooden roots.
They used it as an alterative to treat many chronic diseases, especially
recurring infections of the throat and tonsils, what they termed “malignant
sore throat.” Large doses can act as an
intense purgative. Cultivation: Challenging. Hard
leguminous seeds may be rubbed between pieces of sandpaper to score the
seed coat before planting, as the seedcoat is water impervious. Sow
seeds in very sandy soil, either direct-seeded in the spring or started
in individual pots in the greenhouse. They are pretty dependable
germinators. Sowing in flats not recommended, as the seedlings are
notoriously sensitive to bare-rooting. Plant in sloping, sandy, dryish
soil in full sun or partial shade. Space plants 3 feet apart.
Grows to 3 feet tall. Will take several years to produce a good-sized
root. There are ever-present markets for this herb.
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