Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Baptisia

Species:

Baptisia nuttalliana

USDA Symbol:

BANU2

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:

yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

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 deep taproot after prairie fires. Fire removes thatch and stimulates spring flowering.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Prefers open, sunny locations in native prairies

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Hard seed coat requires scarification or hot water treatment. Cold stratification improves germination rates significantly.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI