<p>{Family: Leguminosae} This late spring/summer-flowering perennial is attractive in both flower and foliage. The leaves are blue-green and clover-shaped, and form a loose mound up to about 4ft (1.2m) high and 3ft (1m) across. The lupine-like flowers are born on erect spikes and are an unusual shade of purplish-blue. The seedpods, which start green and turn black, can be dried for indoor decoration.</p><p>Plant Baptisia 2 to 3 feet apart. It is a slow-growing plant, virtually indestructible, and will thrive for years with very little care. It likes well-drained to dry and almost sandy soil, and full sun. Propagate from seed or by division. Soak seeds for 24 hours before direct-seeding them. Baptisia will flower in its second year, from June to August.</p><p>The common name refers to a dye extracted from B. tinctoria, while the generic name comes from the Greek for 'to dye'. B. australis comes from North America.</p>
