Wild Indigo

This is the species most commonly used for its medicinal root. The plant is a little trickier in a garden setting. It prefers very good drainage and does not want to be over watered. The bitter, fresh root has been used as a strong antiseptic and anti-microbial used both internally and on the skin. It can be purgative in large doses and is contraindicated in pregnancy. Can be helpful in situations of toxified blood, lymph stagnation and fevers. The plant is a bit smaller in height than the Australis, but also requires full sun and is a hardy perennial to zones 3-9.