Baptisia arachnifera

Common Names

Hairy Rattleweed, Cobwebby Wild Indigo, Hairy Wild Indigo, Wooly Wild Indigo

Summary

Baptisia arachnifera, commonly known as Hairy Rattleweed or Cobwebby Wild Indigo, is an endangered herbaceous perennial native to pine flatwoods along Georgia’s coastal plain, with distribution restricted to Wayne and Brantley Counties. It grows as a clump about 15–32 inches tall and 36–60 inches wide, with stout erect stems densely cloaked in grayish-white, cobwebby hairs; simple, oval to heart-shaped blue-green leaves and terminal racemes of yellow pea-like flowers from June to August, followed by densely hairy, dehiscent seed pods in late summer, with seeds that may rattle inside as pods dry. In cultivation, it favors full sun and sandy, well-drained soils, is drought-tolerant once established, and benefits from a landscape regimen that maintains relatively open canopies; prescribed fire every 2–3 years is recommended to support habitat conditions. It is not for sale and cannot be shipped outside North Carolina; commonly used as a compact, rock garden or edging plant and is valued for its pollinator-friendly flowers that attract bees.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

15-32 inches

Spread

3-5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6a-10b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun. Tolerates partial sun.

Soil Type

Sandy, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Silvery-gray leaves

Fall Foliage Color

White, Blue

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies and other pollinators