Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Baptisia

Species:

Baptisia bracteata

USDA Symbol:

BABR2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

45 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun,Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

cream, yellow

Ground Cover:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Vigorous resprout from deep taproots and woody crown following fire. Common in fire-maintained prairies and responds well to prescribed burns.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seed coat is very hard; hot water treatment or mechanical scarification significantly improves germination rates. Stratification after scarification recommended.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI