Smooth, hairless, shrubby-looking plants to 5' tall, often with a yellowish green cast and a thin, whitish coating on the stem and leaves. The leaves are alternate, on stalks up to 1/2" long, and divided into 3 leaflets. The leaflets are 1-3" long, broadest above the middle, and taper to wedge-shaped bases with rounded tips. Above the leafy portion of the plant are long, erect stems bearing scattered, individually stalked, white flowers in late spring to midsummer.
Interesting Notes This is a deep rooted plant that is long-lived, even in overgrazed pastures.
Growing Tips This is a great plant for the back of a perennial border. It may take up to five years to fully develop and begin to flower. Be patient it is worth the wait. White wild indigo grows best in a wet-mesic to dry soil in full sun. It is widely adapted to many soil types.
Height 36-48 Inches
Spread 36-48 Inches
USDA Hardiness Zone 3
Characteristics & Attributes
Exposure
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Sun Tolerant
Soil Moisture Needs
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Moderate
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Dry
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Moist in Spring / Dry in Summer
Soil Type
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Clay
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Amended
Attributes
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Cut Flower / or Foliage
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Drought Tolerant
Nature Attraction
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Butterflies
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Beneficial Insects
Season of Interest
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Summer
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Late Spring / Early Summer
Flower Form
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Spires
Design Use
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Specimen Plant
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Filler
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Structure
Native Range / Habitat
Tallgrass Prairie
Comments
It grows on prairies and along the margins of woods and generally in the eastern quarter of the region.
