false indigo
Noun 1. A shrub native to the Pacific coast of the United States: An erect to spreading, hairy shrub (Amorpha fruticosa) characterized by long clusters (racemes) of flowers ranging in color from red to indigo. 2. A shrub native to the eastern United States: A dense shrub (Amorpha fruticosa) found on moist riverbanks and flood plains, known for its attractive fragrant foliage and dense clusters of dark purple flowers. 3. A plant of the genus Baptisia: Any of several North American perennial herbs belonging to the genus Baptisia, also commonly known as wild indigo or false indigo, which are part of the legume family (Fabaceae).
- The false indigo growing along the riverbank is in full bloom, its dark purple flowers attracting many bees.
- Gardeners often plant false indigo () for its beautiful blue spring flowers and its tolerance for drought.
- Botanists noted that the false indigo shrub provides important erosion control on sloping terrain.
- In botanical and horticultural contexts, the common name "false indigo" is used to distinguish these plants from true indigo ( species), which were historically used to produce blue dye. While some species can also produce a dye, it is generally inferior in quality.
- Wild indigo: A common synonym, especially for plants in the genus .
- Bastard indigo: Another historical common name for .
- Amorpha fruticosa: The scientific name for the shrub species commonly called false indigo.
- Baptisia: The scientific genus name for the herbaceous perennial species commonly called false or wild indigo (e.g., , blue false indigo).
- Wild indigo
- Bastard indigo (for )
- Indigobush (for )
The term "false indigo" refers to two distinct but related groups of plants: 1. Shrubby false indigo: Primarily refers to Amorpha fruticosa, a large shrub. 2. Herbaceous false indigo: Refers to various perennial species in the genus Baptisia. These are the plants most commonly referred to by this name in gardening today. Both types are called "false" because they resemble or were used as substitutes for true indigo plants.
- an erect to spreading hairy shrub of the Pacific coast of the United States having racemes of red to indigo flowers
- dense shrub of moist riverbanks and flood plains of the eastern United States having attractive fragrant foliage and dense racemes of dark purple flowers
- any of several plants of the genus Baptisia