Baptisia alba
A tall, upright perennial that rises quickly in spring and flowers in early summer with white, lupin-like spikes. Baptisia alba forms a substantial but not overly broad clump, remaining composed compared with some related species. After flowering, dark seed pods develop and persist well into winter, extending the plant’s presence beyond the bloom period. Once established, it is long-lived and requires little intervention.
Growing Conditions
Light: full sun
Moisture: average to dry
Soil: well-drained; adaptable to a range of garden soils
Hardiness zone: 4
Maintenance: low
Size & Habit
Height (cm): 150
Spread (cm): 120
Habit: upright clump
Seasonal Interest
Flowering period: June
Seasonal interest: late spring flowering; seed pods persisting into winter
Foliage: green
Flower: white
Ecology & Notes
Wildlife value: pollinators
Deer/Rabbit resistance: yes
Habitat: perennial borders; meadow-style plantings; mixed plantings
Features: upright habit; long-lived perennial; late spring flowering; persistent seed pods
Notes: rapid spring growth from cool soil; tall flowering stems carrying white, lupin-like flowers; less bulky than some other species; black seed pods persist into winter; long-lived and not requiring division