Baptisia leucophaea

Baptisia leucophaea

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
cream, yellow

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 a deep taproot after fire. Prairie fires maintain habitat and reduce woody competition.

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:
Seed coat is very hard and benefits from scarification followed by cold stratification. Fresh seed germinates more readily than stored seed.

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

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow at 4°C for 3 months, then place @ 20°C for 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