Photos of Baptisia australis, Blue wild indigo, Blue false wild indigo, False Indigo.

Baptisia australis, Blue wild indigo, False Indigo is one of the most beautiful species in the genus with spectacular blue to purplish late spring flowers. It is found in open woods, glades, and prairie edges from Pennsylvania to Georgia, west to Texas, northward. A hot tea of the root was used by the Cherokee for toothache, as an emetic and purgative. Externally used as a poultice to reduce inflammation and treat septic conditions. Cold tea used to alleviate nausea. Like other Baptisia species, B. australis is currently under investigation as a potential stimulant of the immune system. Contains various saponins.

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