Baptisia species: Blue false indigo

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.

Figure 62. Baptisia australis.

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].