Baptisia leucantha

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Last reviewed: September 2026

Baptisia leucantha is a perennial forb native to AR, IA, IL, IN and 13 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bumble bees.

Toxicity unknown

Baptisia leucantha is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

36"–60" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AR, IA, IL, IN and 13 more states

Pollinators

bumble bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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A tall, shrub-like perennial with blue-green trifoliate leaves and long upright spikes of white pea flowers in late spring, followed by dark seed pods that rattle in the wind. Forms a substantial, structural clump in tallgrass prairie.

Growing Baptisia leucantha

Grow Baptisia leucantha in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for wild indigo duskywing.

Its flowers require the strength of bumble bees to open, and the foliage is a primary larval host for the wild indigo duskywing butterfly.

Common questions

How much sun does Baptisia leucantha need?: Baptisia leucantha grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Baptisia leucantha bloom?: Baptisia leucantha blooms in May and June.
Where is Baptisia leucantha native?: Baptisia leucantha is native to AR, IA, IL, IN and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Baptisia leucantha host?: Baptisia leucantha is a larval host plant for wild indigo duskywing.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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Common questions

How much sun does Baptisia leucantha need?

Baptisia leucantha grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Baptisia leucantha bloom?

Baptisia leucantha blooms in May and June.

Where is Baptisia leucantha native?

Baptisia leucantha is native to AR, IA, IL, IN and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Baptisia leucantha host?

Baptisia leucantha is a larval host plant for wild indigo duskywing.

Common plant problems, and what to check first

See all plant problem guides