How much sun does Hairy Indigo need?

Hairy Indigo grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Hairy Indigo bloom?

Hairy Indigo blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Hairy Indigo native?

Hairy Indigo (Indigofera hirsuta) is native to AL, FL, GA, SC and 1 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Hairy Indigo toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hairy Indigo as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Hairy Indigo attract?

Hairy Indigo draws bees and butterflies.

Is Hairy Indigo HOA-friendly?

Hairy Indigo takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Hairy Indigo

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Indigofera hirsuta

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Hairy Indigo as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, SC and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Hairy indigo is a low-growing annual wildflower that produces small pink to purple blooms from spring through fall. This compact native plant thrives in sunny locations with minimal water once established and reseeds naturally to return each year.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hairy Indigo takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual habit creates gaps in landscaping
Can appear weedy or unkempt
Self-seeding may seem uncontrolled

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for bees and butterflies throughout most of the growing season. As a member of the legume family, it also helps improve soil nitrogen levels.

Common questions

How much sun does Hairy Indigo need?: Hairy Indigo grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hairy Indigo bloom?: Hairy Indigo blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Hairy Indigo native?: Hairy Indigo (Indigofera hirsuta) is native to AL, FL, GA, SC and 1 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Hairy Indigo toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hairy Indigo as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Hairy Indigo attract?: Hairy Indigo draws bees and butterflies.
Is Hairy Indigo HOA-friendly?: Hairy Indigo takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Hairy Indigo? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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