Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea (Nutt.) Kartesz & Gandhi

Growth Habit

Baptisia bracteata grows as one or more stems originating from its root system, reaching up to 46 centimeters (1.5 feet) in height. It is a bushy plant with stems that branch occasionally, and can grow up to 91 centimeters (3 feet) wide.

Stem Characteristics

Its stems are round, and range in color from light green to purple.

Leaf Arrangement

Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, and are divided into 3 leaflets that measure 3–8 cm (1–3 in) long and 1–3 cm (0.5–1 in) across.

Leaflet Morphology

The leaflets have smooth margins and are usually oblanceolate in shape.

Inflorescence Structure

The inflorescence is a long raceme 10–30 cm (4–12 in) long, which droops below the plant's foliage under its own weight. Each raceme bears few to many pea-shaped flowers, along with leaflike, lanceolate bracts 10–30 cm (4–12 in) long.

Flower Color

Flower color ranges from white to creamy yellow.

Seed Pod Features

After flowering, the plant produces oval to cylindrical seed pods that measure 3–5 cm (1–2 in) long.

Nectaries

Extrafloral nectaries have been documented on this plant.

Native Range

Baptisia bracteata is native to the United States, ranging from Minnesota in the north, south and west to Texas, and east to North Carolina.

Habitat

It grows in prairies, rocky woods, fields, and along streams.

Bloom Period and Pollination

Its flowers bloom from April to June, and are pollinated by bumblebees, which are actively nesting during this period.

Herbivory by Insects

The caterpillars of several skipper species, including the wild indigo duskywing and the hoary edge, feed on its leaves.

Toxicity

This plant is poisonous to mammalian herbivores.