Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Baptisia

Species:

Baptisia australis var. minor

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

90 cm

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

blue, violet

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from crown and root system after fire. Fire benefits this species by reducing woody competition in prairie habitats.

Source: Claude claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929 Batch

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Scarification with sandpaper or hot water treatment improves germination rates. Seeds have hard coats typical of legumes.

Source: Claude claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929 Batch