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  4. Baptisia species: Blue false indigo
A Guide to Poisonous House and Garden Plants
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Baptisia species: Blue false indigo

Author(s):
Knight A.
In: Guide to Poisonous House and Garden Plants by Knight A.
Updated:
MAR 25, 2010
Languages:
  • EN
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    Read

    Family

    Fabaceae

    Common Names

    Blue indigo, blue false indigo, wild indigo

    Plant Description

    Baptisia is a genus of some 30 species of perennials, native to the prairie and woodland areas of Eastern and Central North America. Arising from a woody rootstock, the erect, solitary branching stems reach a height of 1 m (3 ft.). Leaves are palmately compound, short petioled with 3 obovate leaflets, and entire margins. The inflorescences are terminal or axillary racemes, few to many flowered, each flower with 5 fused sepals and 5 petals. The pea-like flowers may be white, green, yellow, and blue-violet (Fig. 62 and Fig. 63). The leguminous pods are oblong and conspicuously beaked.

    Baptisia australis.Figure 62. Baptisia australis.

    Baptisia australis flowers.Figure 63. Baptisia australis flowers.

    Several species of Baptisia are recognized commonly and have been introduced as garden ornamentals includeding:

    • Baptisia alba-white wild indigo.
    • B. australis-blue indigo, blue false indigo.
    • B. bracteata-plains wild indigo.
    • B. tinctoria-yellow wild indigo

    Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action

    Quinolizidine alkaloids similar to those found in Laburnum species (Golden chain tree) are found in all parts of the plant [1]. Cytisine is the primary alkaloid present and its primary effect is upon the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors [2]. Consequently, affected animals will show signs of excessive salivation, anorexia, muscle tremors, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, and depressed respiration.

    Risk Assessment

    Baptisia species pose minimal risk to household pets, but as they are becoming increasingly popular in gardens, and the dry seed pods are used in floral decorations, the potential for poisoning increases.

    Clinical Signs

    Depending on the quantity of leaves or seeds consumed, affected animals typically show signs of increased salivation, anorexia, incoordination, muscle tremors, and colic. Vomiting without diarrhea, weakness, and tachycardia can be anticipated in dogs and children [3].

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    References

    1. Cranmer MF, Mabry TJ. The lupine alkaloids of the genus Baptisia (Leguminosae). Phytochemistry 5: 1133-1138, 1966.

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    About

    How to reference this publication (Harvard system)?

    Knight, A. (2008) “Baptisia species: Blue false indigo”, Guide to Poisonous House and Garden Plants. Available at: https://www.ivis.org/library/guide-to-poisonous-house-and-garden-plants/baptisia-species-blue-false-indigo (Accessed: 26 September 2023).

    Affiliation of the authors at the time of publication

    Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.

    Author(s)

    • Prof Anthony Knight

      Knight A.

      Professor and Chair
      BVSc MRCVS Dipl ACVIM
      Department of Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Colorado State University
      Read more about this author

    Copyright Statement

    © All text and images in this publication are copyright protected and cannot be reproduced or copied in any way.
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