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Indigofera
Indigofera
Indigofera
Indigofera
Indigofera (Indigofera)
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Perennial
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Key Facts About Indigofera

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Attributes of Indigofera

Leaf type
Deciduous

Scientific Classification of Indigofera

distribution

Distribution of Indigofera

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Distribution Map of Indigofera

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Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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How to Grow and Care for Indigofera

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how to grow and care
More Info About Caring for Indigofera
species

Exploring the Indigofera Plants

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8 most common species:
Indigofera hirsuta
Hairy indigo
Once introduced as a forage crop, hairy indigo, a legume, has become a nuisance weed in places where it's been introduced, especially in the peanut industry. It gets its common name from its hairy stems that become woody as the plant matures.
Indigofera tinctoria
True indigo
Since it has been cultivated for centuries, the native habitat of true indigo is not known. This shrub can be annual, biennial, or perennial depending on the climate where it's grown. True indigo has a long history of commercial use as a cash crop - it was a source of dark blue (indigo) dye before alternative synthetics were developed.
Indigofera pseudotinctoria
Dwarf false indigo
The roots are hard and strong. The trunk is 60 to 90 cm in height and is about 1.5 cm in diameter. The branches are elongated and green, and many branches. The leaves are alternate, odd-winged double leaves with a short petiole. Leaflets are oval or fallen oval per 4-5 pairs. The tip is round and has fine protrusions, and the base is also round and has a very short handle. It is 1 to 1.5 cm in length, 5 to 12 mm in width, and has full edge. There are many soft fur on both sides of the leaves. From summer to autumn, a flower pattern is taken out from the leaf bud, and a 3 cm long general inflorescence is added to open a beautiful purple-red butterfly-shaped flower. The flower is 5 mm long and the floret is shorter than the bud. The wings are cylindrical, split into 5 and hairy. After flowering, it produces columnar beans with a length of 3 cm, containing 3-8 seeds.
Indigofera australis
Australian indigo
Australian indigo (Indigofera australis) is an attractive garden shrub, whose flowers provide abundant nectar for butterflies. It needs to be pruned from a young age to make it bushier and improve its shape. “Indigofera” means “containing indigo,” which some species do, but natural dyes from the leaves and stems of this plant give a pale golden color.
Indigofera miniata
Coastal indigo
The coral-red flowers of coastal indigo attract birds, butterflies, and bees. The flowers occur in the early spring and last until late autumn. Its prostrate growth habit, trailing stems, and drought-tolerant nature make it an interesting choice for a xeriscape garden.
Indigofera suffruticosa
Anil de pasto
Anil de pasto (Indigofera suffruticosa) is an erect branching shrub that is native to tropical South America and North America. This species grows in dry, highly disturbed areas, including roadsides and empty fields.
Indigofera linifolia
Narrow leafed indigo
Narrow leafed indigo is characterized by its slender, linear leaves and vibrant clusters of tiny, purple-indigo flowers. This herbaceous perennial prefers sunny, well-drained soils, thriving in open fields and along roadsides. Its robust root system renders it drought-tolerant, anchoring it firmly in challenging environments. The plant's striking coloration is not just ornamentation but indicative of its utility in traditional dye-making practices.
Indigofera kirilowii
Kirilow's indigo
Kirilow's indigo is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its pinnate leaves and clusters of small, vibrant purple or pink flowers. Typically found in well-drained soils in meadows or forest clearings, its resilience allows it to thrive in full sun to partial shade. The production of indigo dye from its foliage illustrates kirilow's indigo's utilitarian relationship with humans.

All Species of Indigofera

Hairy indigo
Indigofera hirsuta
Hairy indigo
Once introduced as a forage crop, hairy indigo, a legume, has become a nuisance weed in places where it's been introduced, especially in the peanut industry. It gets its common name from its hairy stems that become woody as the plant matures.
True indigo
Indigofera tinctoria
True indigo
Since it has been cultivated for centuries, the native habitat of true indigo is not known. This shrub can be annual, biennial, or perennial depending on the climate where it's grown. True indigo has a long history of commercial use as a cash crop - it was a source of dark blue (indigo) dye before alternative synthetics were developed.
Dwarf false indigo
Indigofera pseudotinctoria
Dwarf false indigo
The roots are hard and strong. The trunk is 60 to 90 cm in height and is about 1.5 cm in diameter. The branches are elongated and green, and many branches. The leaves are alternate, odd-winged double leaves with a short petiole. Leaflets are oval or fallen oval per 4-5 pairs. The tip is round and has fine protrusions, and the base is also round and has a very short handle. It is 1 to 1.5 cm in length, 5 to 12 mm in width, and has full edge. There are many soft fur on both sides of the leaves. From summer to autumn, a flower pattern is taken out from the leaf bud, and a 3 cm long general inflorescence is added to open a beautiful purple-red butterfly-shaped flower. The flower is 5 mm long and the floret is shorter than the bud. The wings are cylindrical, split into 5 and hairy. After flowering, it produces columnar beans with a length of 3 cm, containing 3-8 seeds.
Australian indigo
Indigofera australis
Australian indigo
Australian indigo (Indigofera australis) is an attractive garden shrub, whose flowers provide abundant nectar for butterflies. It needs to be pruned from a young age to make it bushier and improve its shape. “Indigofera” means “containing indigo,” which some species do, but natural dyes from the leaves and stems of this plant give a pale golden color.
Coastal indigo
Indigofera miniata
Coastal indigo
The coral-red flowers of coastal indigo attract birds, butterflies, and bees. The flowers occur in the early spring and last until late autumn. Its prostrate growth habit, trailing stems, and drought-tolerant nature make it an interesting choice for a xeriscape garden.
Anil de pasto
Indigofera suffruticosa
Anil de pasto
Anil de pasto (Indigofera suffruticosa) is an erect branching shrub that is native to tropical South America and North America. This species grows in dry, highly disturbed areas, including roadsides and empty fields.
Narrow leafed indigo
Indigofera linifolia
Narrow leafed indigo
Narrow leafed indigo is characterized by its slender, linear leaves and vibrant clusters of tiny, purple-indigo flowers. This herbaceous perennial prefers sunny, well-drained soils, thriving in open fields and along roadsides. Its robust root system renders it drought-tolerant, anchoring it firmly in challenging environments. The plant's striking coloration is not just ornamentation but indicative of its utility in traditional dye-making practices.
Kirilow's indigo
Indigofera kirilowii
Kirilow's indigo
Kirilow's indigo is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its pinnate leaves and clusters of small, vibrant purple or pink flowers. Typically found in well-drained soils in meadows or forest clearings, its resilience allows it to thrive in full sun to partial shade. The production of indigo dye from its foliage illustrates kirilow's indigo's utilitarian relationship with humans.
Chinese indigo
Indigofera decora
Chinese indigo
Native to Asia, the chinese indigo has been used for indigo-coloured dye due to its bright flowers. Its pendulum-like flowers have also been known to attract butterflies. It can also be found in regions of Africa and Australia.
Creeping indigo
Indigofera spicata
Creeping indigo
As you'd imagine from the name, creeping indigo (Indigofera spicata) is a creeping shrub that grows mainly in horizontal mats, close to the ground. The plant is grown in the coffee, tea, and rubber industries to protect soil and prevent erosion. Creeping indigo is a member of the plant family used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to produce the dye indigo.
popular genus

More Popular Genus

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Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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Indigofera
Indigofera
Indigofera
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Indigofera
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info

Key Facts About Indigofera

feedback
Feedback
feedback

Attributes of Indigofera

Leaf type
Deciduous

Scientific Classification of Indigofera

distribution

Distribution of Indigofera

feedback
Feedback
feedback

Distribution Map of Indigofera

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
care detail

How to Grow and Care for Indigofera

feedback
Feedback
feedback
More Info About Caring for Indigofera
species

Exploring the Indigofera Plants

feedback
Feedback
feedback
8 most common species:
Indigofera hirsuta
Hairy indigo
Once introduced as a forage crop, hairy indigo, a legume, has become a nuisance weed in places where it's been introduced, especially in the peanut industry. It gets its common name from its hairy stems that become woody as the plant matures.
Indigofera tinctoria
True indigo
Since it has been cultivated for centuries, the native habitat of true indigo is not known. This shrub can be annual, biennial, or perennial depending on the climate where it's grown. True indigo has a long history of commercial use as a cash crop - it was a source of dark blue (indigo) dye before alternative synthetics were developed.
Indigofera pseudotinctoria
Dwarf false indigo
The roots are hard and strong. The trunk is 60 to 90 cm in height and is about 1.5 cm in diameter. The branches are elongated and green, and many branches. The leaves are alternate, odd-winged double leaves with a short petiole. Leaflets are oval or fallen oval per 4-5 pairs. The tip is round and has fine protrusions, and the base is also round and has a very short handle. It is 1 to 1.5 cm in length, 5 to 12 mm in width, and has full edge. There are many soft fur on both sides of the leaves. From summer to autumn, a flower pattern is taken out from the leaf bud, and a 3 cm long general inflorescence is added to open a beautiful purple-red butterfly-shaped flower. The flower is 5 mm long and the floret is shorter than the bud. The wings are cylindrical, split into 5 and hairy. After flowering, it produces columnar beans with a length of 3 cm, containing 3-8 seeds.
Indigofera australis
Australian indigo
Australian indigo (Indigofera australis) is an attractive garden shrub, whose flowers provide abundant nectar for butterflies. It needs to be pruned from a young age to make it bushier and improve its shape. “Indigofera” means “containing indigo,” which some species do, but natural dyes from the leaves and stems of this plant give a pale golden color.
Show More Species

All Species of Indigofera

popular genus

More Popular Genus

feedback
Feedback
feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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