From the Greek baptizein meaning "to dye"; refers to the historical economic use as a poor indigo dye.and "Australis", of Australia.

Found on prairies throughout the Tallgrass region, this species is the more southerly occuring, found in glades and and dry prairies. Normally reaches about 1 foot in height but favorable conditions can yield 3 foot plants. Blooms from May to June.

Native American uses include use as a dye and to treats cuts and scrapes. The Pawnee used this species by pulverizing the seeds and mixing the resulting powder with buffalo fat to treat colic by rubbing the salve on the abdomen.

 

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Sun Exposure	Prairie, Savanna
Soil Moisture	Wet Mesic, Mesic
Bloom Time	Summer May, June, July
Bloom Color	Blue
Max Height	4 feet
Wetland Code	UPL
Germ Code	C(10),H,I
Seeds Per Packet	75
Seeds Per Ounce	1,000

 

Edible Uses: Unknown

Medicinal Uses: Appetizer, digestive. The root is antiemetic, emetic and purgative. There are confusing reports from two sources that the plant is used as an emetic and also that a cold tea is given to stop vomiting. A poultice of the root is anti-inflammatory and is held in the mouth to treat toothaches. The plant is under investigation as a potential stimulant of the immune system.

Herbal Uses: Unknown

Other Uses: A blue dye is obtained from the plant. No more information is given, but it is likely to be the leaves that are use.