How much sun does Horseflyweed need?

Horseflyweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Horseflyweed bloom?

Horseflyweed blooms in June and July.

Where is Horseflyweed native?

Horseflyweed (Baptisia tinctoria) is native to CT, DE, GA, IL and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Horseflyweed host?

Horseflyweed is a larval host plant for wild indigo duskywing.

Horseflyweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Baptisia tinctoria

Last reviewed: August 2026

Horseflyweed (Baptisia tinctoria) is a perennial forb native to CT, DE, GA, IL and 19 more states. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw bumble bees.

Toxicity unknown

Horseflyweed (Baptisia tinctoria) 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

low

Size

24"–36" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

CT, DE, GA, IL and 19 more states

Pollinators

bumble bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

A bushy rounded plant with small blue-green cloverlike leaves and short spikes of clear yellow pea flowers scattered across the top of the mound. It is deep-rooted, drought-proof once established, and needs no support.

Growing Horseflyweed

Grow Horseflyweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for wild indigo duskywing.

A confirmed larval host for the wild indigo duskywing, and the pea flowers are worked by large bumble bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Horseflyweed need?: Horseflyweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Horseflyweed bloom?: Horseflyweed blooms in June and July.
Where is Horseflyweed native?: Horseflyweed (Baptisia tinctoria) is native to CT, DE, GA, IL and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Horseflyweed host?: Horseflyweed 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.

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

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