#Blue indigo plant full#

Indigo was a popular dye during the Middle Ages. Chiang 2013, Gamret 2018 The word 'indigo' comes from the Greek word 'indikón,' meaning 'Indian.' Stasiak 2014 Before the development of synthetic aniline and indigo dyes, indigo plants were grown commercially in the East Indies, South America, and Central America. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries where it is known as indigo naturalis or qing dai. Indigo is one of the oldest known natural dyes and is formed through fermentation of a variety of plants. indigotica can reach 50 to 140 cm in height, is bluish in color, and has yellow flowers gathered in inflorescences. indigotica is a biennial or perennial herb native to Ukraine that is widely distributed in Europe and is an invasive species in the United States. tinctorium, Strobilantes formosanus Moore, and I. Indigo naturalis or qing dai is a dried pigment obtained from the leaves and branches of indigo-producing plants such as B. The French and Guatemalan varieties differ in shape and size of the leaflets and pods. Simon 1984 Indigofera plants are perennial shrubs that reach 1 to 2 m in height. suffruticosa Mill.) that are known for the natural blue colors obtained from their leaflets and branches. 'Indigo' can refer to several species of Indigofera (eg, I. One case report describes development of pancreatitis with use of oral indigo naturalis another describes colitis and pulmonary hypertension with a supplement containing qing dai. Topical indigo naturalis may cause pruritus, rash, erythema, and nasopharyngitis. It may also cause colitis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Indigo naturalis has been reported to cause mild liver dysfunction, abdominal pain, and headache. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. ContraindicationsĬontraindications have not been identified. DosingĬlinical evidence is lacking to provide dosing recommendations for indigo. However, clinical information is lacking to recommend use for any indication. It has been evaluated for treatment of psoriasis and other dermatological conditions as well as GI diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Indigo is mostly used as a source of dye. (Guatemala)Ĭommon Name(s): Common indigo, Indian indigo, Indigo naturalis, Qing dai (traditional Chinese medicine) (Japan), Polygonum tinctorium, Strobilanthes cusia (Neess) Kuntze, Indigofera suffruticosa Mill. subspecies villarsii, Persicaria tinctoria. (Bengal, Natal), Indigofera tinctoria (France)., Isatis indigotica Fortune ex Lindl., Isatis tinctoria L. (Thailand), Indigofera anil L., Indigofera arrecta. This species is native to parts of North America.Scientific Name(s): Baphicacanthus cusia Brem. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for alkaline soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water.

#Blue indigo plant full#

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen! As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 25 years. It has no significant negative characteristics.īlue Wild Indigo is recommended for the following landscape applications īlue Wild Indigo will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity extending to 4 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 3 feet. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard. This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition. Its round compound leaves remain olive green in colour throughout the season.īlue Wild Indigo is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Extraordinary indigo blue spikes of pea-flowers rise above medium green foliage from late spring to early summer creates an outstanding display as an accent in garden beds or patio containers drought tolerant once establishedīlue Wild Indigo has masses of beautiful spikes of indigo pea-like flowers rising above the foliage from mid spring to early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings.