Horseflyweed
Baptisia tinctoria
Mason Brock (Masebrock)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Baptisia
- Species:
- Baptisia tinctoria
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 2-3 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may, jun, jul, aug, sep
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow
Native Range
United States: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: Ontario
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Agonopterix lecontella, Black-spotted prominent (Dasylophia anguina), Chain-lined geometer moth (Cingilia catenaria), Genista Broom Moth (Uresiphita reversalis), indigo stem borer (Papaipema baptisiae), Io moth (Automeris io), Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus), three-lined grapholita moth (Grapholita tristrigana), 🛑Frosted Elfin (Incisalia irus), Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers open, sunny areas; drought-tolerant once established
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: The plant is generally distributed from Maine to Florida and west to Minnesota.
Source: npn.rngr.net