False Indigo

Baptisia australis, also known as blue false indigo or wild indigo, is a tall perennial plant found in the eastern United States in rich woods, thickets, and along stream banks. It produces purple, lupine-like flowers in upright clusters on tall spikes above a mound of clover-like, bluish-green leaves. The plant blooms in spring and the flowers are followed by inflated seed pods that turn charcoal black when ripe, adding ornamental interest. The blackened seed pods, which were once used as rattles by children, are valued for dried flower arrangements. 

This plant is easy to grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It is also drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soils. As it grows, it forms slowly expanding clumps with deep and extensive root systems. Once established, it should not be disturbed. While it can be grown from seed, it takes several years to establish. The plant tends to take on a shrubby appearance and can open up after blooming. Trimming or shearing the foliage after blooming can help maintain a rounder shape and eliminate the need for staking, though it will also remove the developing seed pods.