Horseflyweed
Baptisia tinctoria
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
Mason Brock ( Masebrock (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Baptisia
- Species:
- Baptisia tinctoria
- USDA Symbol:
- BATI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
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
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: Anthophora walshii, Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Melissodes communis, ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) Moths:Anacampsis lupinella, Black-spotted prominent (Dasylophia anguina), Pococera baptisiella, Salt Marsh Moth (Estigmene acrea), Sitochroa dasconalis, three-lined grapholita moth (Grapholita tristrigana) Butterflies:Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris), Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas), Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus), Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Benefits from occasional fire to reduce competition and stimulate seed germination.
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
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 treatment) followed by cold stratification for 30-60 days.
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: The plant is generally distributed from Maine to Florida and west to Minnesota.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months Requires scarification. Nick or rub between sheets of sandpaper. Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. * See www.gardenmyths.com/growing-baptisia-australis-from-seeds
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)