lonbract wild indigo, Baptisia leucophaea

Longbract wild indigo may be the earliest bloomer in Baptisia. In its hurry it ends up with weak stems that form mounds or lean on their neighbors. The colors are fascinating, with subtle creamy, not-quite-yellow flowers and bluish foliage. These plants challenge splitters and lumpers among botanists. It is also called Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea. The Creek people used Baptisia root concoctions to bathe listless children. The Cree used it in the hope that it would help with syphilis. Longbract wild indigo grows in field in AL, AR, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX, and WI. Lenawee Co MI, 5/24/11.