Blue False Indigo is a hardy, long-lived perennial in the pea family native to North America. It is prized for its striking blue-purple flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, followed by dark seed pods. The plant’s deep roots and bushy habit make it an excellent choice for naturalistic gardens, prairies, and pollinator habitats.
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Growth Habits and Characteristics
•Height & Spread: 3-4 feet tall and wide
•Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Preferences: Well-drained, average to poor soils; drought-tolerant once established
•Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
•Foliage: Attractive blue-green, trifoliate leaves
•Lifespan: Long-lived perennial; slow to establish but requires little maintenance
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Host Insect
•Blue False Indigo serves as a host plant for the Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae) caterpillar, along with other butterfly and moth species.
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Companion Plants
•Purple Coneflower 
•Black-eyed Susan
•Little Bluestem
•Milkweed
•Beebalm
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Ecological Importance
•Pollinator Magnet: Attracts native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
•Nitrogen Fixation: As a member of the legume family, it improves soil health by fixing nitrogen
•Erosion Control: Deep taproots help stabilize soil in prairie and meadow ecosystems
•Wildlife Support: Provides shelter and food for various insects, while its seed pods may be eaten by birds in late fall
Blue False Indigo is a resilient, visually striking, and ecologically valuable addition to native plant gardens, prairie restorations, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.