BAPTISIA

BAPTISIA       

PAPILIONACEAE

False Indigo was once a valuable source of dyes, and one species is still grown commercially for this purpose.

All of the 20 or so species are native to eastern or southern USA and have yellow, white or purple pea flowers, followed by pretty seedpods, which can be dried for ornamental use. 

These grow best in fertile, humus-rich soils, which are slightly acidic, but will tolerate poorer conditions.