Indigofera spicata (Creeping Indigo)

Indigofera spicata (Creeping Indigo) with pink flower, close up of tiny petals, green leaves.
Indigofera spicata (Creeping Indigo) with pink flower and buds rising above round green foliage leaves.

Botanical name: Indigofera spicata

Common names: Creeping Indigo, Trailing Indigo

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Faboideae

Origin: Tropical Africa

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10

Small plant 2-5 ftPlant form: Small
Plant mature sizeMature height: 2-5 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeShadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade; shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Regular; moderate
Pink flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersFlower color: Pink; red, crimson, vinous
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

A short-lived herbaceous plant with creeping or scrambling stems. Its alternately arranged leaves are once-compound with 5-11 leaflets these oblong leaflets have hairless or sparsely hairy upper surfaces and densely hairy undersides. Its small pink or pinkish-orange pea-shaped flowers are arranged in elongated clusters.

I. spicata is native to Africa, Madagascar and throughout South and Southeast Asia, and was introduced to the Americas in tropical areas. It effectively controls soil erosion, even under heavy rainfall on slopes, hills and undulating land.

This plant contains indospicine and is notably toxic to many grazing animals.

Similar plants: Indigofera spicata (Creeping Indigo)


Indigofera spicata (Creeping Indigo) pink flower and green leaves in a close up.
Indigofera spicata (Creeping Indigo) pink flower rising among round green leaves on the ground.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/indigofera_spicata.htm
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