True Indigo

(Indigofera tinctoria)

True Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria)

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Indigofera tinctoria Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 24" - 81"
• High Temp. 82°F - 103°F
• Low Temp. 54°F - 72°F

Summary

Indigofera tinctoria, commonly known as True Indigo, is a deciduous legume shrub that typically grows to a height of 3-7 feet. It is characterized by its light green pinnate leaves and clusters of pink or violet flowers that bloom in the summer. The exact native habitat of True Indigo is difficult to pinpoint due to its extensive cultivation for the production of indigo dye, but it is believed to originate from tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian subcontinent and mainland Southeast Asia as well as Western Africa from Tanzania to South Africa. In its natural environment, it is often found in open woodlands and grasslands.

True Indigo is valued for its historical use in producing a natural blue dye, which has been replaced by synthetic dyes in modern times. In the garden, it can serve as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. True Indigo can be used in border plantings or as a specimen shrub. It can spread in certain climates, so monitor its growth.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 2-6 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Originates from tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa

Other Names

Common Names: True Indigo, Indigo, Dye Indigo, Nanban-Ai, Inigo, Dyer’s Indigo

Scientific Names: Indigofera tinctoria, Anil tinctoria, Anil tinctoria var. normalis, Anila tinctoria, Anila tinctoria var. normalis, Indigofera anil subsp. orthocarpa, Indigofera bergae, Indigofera hover, Indigofera suffruticosa, Indigofera tinctoria, Indigofera tinctoria subsp. tinctoria

GBIF Accepted Name: Indigofera tinctoria