Baptisia lactea

Baptisia lactea

Native to:
United States | AR, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, WI

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Baptisia
Species:
Baptisia lactea

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
120 cm
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
white

Keystone Species Ranking

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Can resprout after fire; fire may stimulate seed germination in some populations.

Source: deepseek-v4-flash

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water) followed by cold stratification for 30-60 days.

Source: deepseek-v4-flash

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. * subject to damping off; scarification leads to rotting; grow in pot for 1 year

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society