Ground shipping is currently paused. Local deliveries throughout Long Island will continue as usual. Pre-orders for fall are now open. Non-local orders will begin shipping again in early September. Click here to learn more.

Baptisia tinctoria – Yellow Wild Indigo

Additional information

Size

, ,

Common Name

Type

Family

Native?

Zone

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Height Range (ft.)

2.00 to 3.00

Spread (ft.)

2.00 to 3.00

Bloom Time

,

Bloom Description

Cream, Yellow

Sun

,

Water

,

Maintenance

Suggested Use

Tolerate

, ,

Attracts

, ,

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Baptisia tinctoria – Yellow Wild Indigo

Yellow Wild Indigo is a native perennial with airy growth and bright yellow summer flowers. A tough, low-maintenance choice for sunny, dry sites.

Price range: $12.99 through $218.99

Please note: Sizes 1.5 Gallon and up can’t be shipped outside the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens.

Learn more about how the process works and how our plants are delivered.

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Ground shipping is paused due to summer heat. Only local delivery (Long Island & Queens) is available. Orders placed during the pause will begin processing September 1, and ground shipping will resume September 15.

Click here to learn more.

Additional information

Size

, ,

Common Name

Type

Family

Native?

Zone

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Height Range (ft.)

2.00 to 3.00

Spread (ft.)

2.00 to 3.00

Bloom Time

,

Bloom Description

Cream, Yellow

Sun

,

Water

,

Maintenance

Suggested Use

Tolerate

, ,

Attracts

, ,

Product Description

This native perennial is valued for its airy form, yellow summer flowers, and exceptional adaptability to dry, difficult sites. Yellow Wild Indigo is a tough, long-lived plant that brings subtle color and natural structure to sunny gardens and native landscapes.

In early to mid-summer, small, bright yellow, pea-like flowers appear along slender, branching stems, creating a light, open look very different from the larger baptisias. Fine-textured blue-green foliage gives the plant a soft, almost shrubby appearance, and decorative seed pods follow flowering, adding seasonal interest into fall.

Well-suited for home gardens, Baptisia tinctoria performs best in full sun and well-drained to dry soils. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and requires little maintenance. It is suitable for a wide range of gardeners, particularly those working with sandy soils, slopes, or naturalized plantings.

Why choose Baptisia tinctoria – Yellow Wild Indigo

Bright yellow blooms: Adds summer color with a natural look
Adaptable native: Thrives in dry, poor soils
Low maintenance: Long-lived and drought tolerant once established

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained to dry soil
Maintenance: Low; avoid disturbance once established

Designs for your garden

Native plantings: Ideal for naturalized landscapes
Meadow-style gardens: Blends well with grasses and wildflowers
Dry garden areas: Excellent choice for sandy or rocky soils
Pollinator gardens: Supports summer-active insects

Ecological benefits

Pollinator support: Flowers attract native bees
Native resilience: Well-adapted to regional conditions
Wildlife value: Seed pods provide seasonal habitat

Baptisia tinctoria plays a crucial role in supporting pollinators by providing nectar for bees and butterflies. Its deep root system helps improve soil structure, prevents erosion, and supports water infiltration, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for challenging growing conditions.

Brighten your garden with the sunny blooms and ecological value of Baptisia tinctoria – Yellow Wild Indigo. This resilient perennial combines beauty, low maintenance, and pollinator support to enhance your outdoor space.

Plant appearance may vary by season and growing conditions. All plants ship healthy with established root systems.

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Baptisia tinctoria – Yellow Wild Indigo

Price range: $12.99 through $218.99
Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baptisia tinctoria native to the United States?

Yes. Baptisia tinctoria, commonly known as Wild Indigo or Yellow False Indigo, is native to the eastern and central United States. It is commonly found in open woods, dry fields, and sandy or rocky soils, making it an excellent choice for native, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance plantings.

What makes Baptisia tinctoria unique compared to other Baptisia species?

Baptisia tinctoria is one of the smallest and most delicate-looking Baptisias, with a mounded form, growing about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. It features airy, thin stems, fine blue-green foliage, and bright yellow, pea-like flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer, followed by decorative black seed pods.

What are the ideal growing conditions for Baptisia tinctoria?

Wild Indigo thrives in full sun and prefers dry to average, well-drained soil, including sandy, gravelly, or rocky sites. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, highly drought-tolerant, and requires little to no supplemental watering once established. It performs well in meadows, native borders, and restoration projects.

Is Wild Indigo good for pollinators and wildlife?

Yes. The flowers attract native bees and butterflies, and the plant serves as a host for the Wild Indigo Duskywing butterfly (Erynnis baptisiae) and other native insects. The plant’s deep roots also enrich soil by fixing nitrogen, making it a valuable component of biodiverse ecosystems.

Is Baptisia tinctoria deer-resistant and low-maintenance?

Yes. Wild Indigo is highly deer-resistant and very low-maintenance. It does not need fertilizing, resists most pests and diseases, and only requires cutting back in late fall or early spring. Though it may take a couple of seasons to fully establish, it is long-lived and highly resilient once mature.

Looking for the perfect gift for the garden lover in your life?

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Only Local Delivery Available (Long Island & Queens)

Ground Shipping Paused

To protect our plants from extreme summer heat, we’ve paused nationwide ground shipping to avoid any damage during transit.

Local Delivery Only

We’re still delivering locally to Long Island and Queens, so nearby customers will continue to receive orders as usual.

Fall Pre-Orders Are Open Nationwide!

We will resume normal shipping for non-local orders placed during the pause in early September.

Thank you for your support and understanding—we’re looking forward to growing with you this fall!