Scientific Name
Baptisia spp.
Common Name
False indigo, wild indigo, baptisia

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Fabaceae
Plant Description
Perennial herb with alternate, 3-parted leaves, turning black upon drying; flowers either on long-stalked clusters above the leaves or axillary, white, blue, or yellow, irregular and pea-shaped; fruit an inflated, stalked pod with several seeds.
Origin
USA, NC.
Distribution
Throughout; gardens.
Where Found
Forest or natural areas in woodland borders and open woods; landscape in flower gardens as native, herbaceous perennials.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Toxic Principle
Baptisin and cytisine.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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