Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Baptisia tinctoria is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf from April to October, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked. An asparagus substitute. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. — Young shoots - cooked.; An asparagus substitute.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry soils in open woods and clearings. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)