University
of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science
University
of Vermont Extension 
Baptisia australis
(bap-tease' ee-ah aus-tral' iss)
Common name: False Blue Indigo
Family: Fabaceae, Bean or Pea
Height x width: 3-4' tall x 6' wide, upright to spreading
Growth rate: slow
Foliage: alternate, gray-green, 3-parted compound leaves, some with stipules (small, leaf-like structures) as leaf bases, leaflets 1 ½" and ovate to oblanceolate; thick stems to ½" across
Flowers: indigo blue pea-like 1" flowers in spring up to 4 weeks, 5-many in terminal racemes
Hardiness: zones 3 through 8
Soil: well-drained, prefers deep and rich, tolerates poor and sandy
Light: sun
Pests and problems: few, voles
Landscape habit, uses: herbaceous shrub in borders, specimen, nice dark brown pods with seeds rattling inside add nice fall interest
Other interest: native to eastern U.S.; genus name from Greek bapto meaning to dip, refering to past use as substitute dye for indigo; black seed pods 1-2" attractive in fall, nice sound in the garden with seeds rattling inside
Other culture: resents transplanting, deeply rooted; may need staking if not in full sun
Propagation: seeds, division, cuttings
Sources: Sunny Border Nurseries, Kensington, CT (wholesale); many others, check your local garden stores, and online catalogs as well
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