In a joint effort to expand the knowledge and understanding of the flora and fauna of Polk County, the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) and botanist, David Campbell, need your help in locating this month’s “Polk County’s Most Wanted-Plant,” Thin-pod Wild White Indigo (Baptisia albescens).

 

With spring now upon us, this month’s Polk’s Most Wanted features a stunning flowering perennial, the Thin-pod Wild White Indigo (Baptisia albescens).

 

A member of the Pea family, Baptisia albescens may give the appearance of a Lupine species to the casual observer, but much larger, with total heights of some plants exceeding one meter. Flowers are white and occur in a ‘spike’ that surmounts a stem with numerous trifoliate (‘in threes’) leaves. When occurring in a group of several plants, Thin-pod White Wild Indigo forms a striking display that is not soon forgotten.

 

Bumblebees are among the principal pollinators of this species. Unlike other types of Wild Indigo, seedpods are light brown, instead of black. This latter point is an important diagnostic feature that may distinguish Baptisia albescens from similar white-flowering Wild Indigos.

 

Preferred habitats include open glades, powerline right-of-ways, and roadsides; abundant sunshine is very important for this species. Baptisia albescens also prefers circumneutral and basic soils.

 

Thin-pod White Wild Indigo has been reported for Polk County, but not for several decades. However, given the soils and topography of our region, it is still to be expected, and should be sought after. It is a distinctive species when in flower, or in fruit.

 

If you think that you have seen Thin-pod Wild White Indigo (Baptisia albescens) in Polk County, please contact PAC at 828-859-5060, or e-mail comments, questions, or photos to, landprotection@pacolet.org.

 

All of the Polk County’s Most Wanted can be viewed on the PAC website, www.pacolet.org. Click on the “conservation” tab and scroll down and click on the “Polk County’s Most Wanted” tab.

 

PAC has also created a Pocket Guide of Polk County’s Most Wanted that can be printed and taken in the field! The pocket guide can be accessed on PAC’s website too.

 

-Submitted by Pam Torlina