Indigo plants- When we think of plants, we often imagine green leaves and stems, even though this is not always the case.
In fact, there are countless species of plants that come in different colors, which can range from red and purple to silver and blue.
Of course, identifying these plants can be difficult if you have little experience with horticulture, as some are known to share similar characteristics and features. This is why we have decided to help you by using our extensive knowledge and research.
These days, there are many varieties of plants with indigo foliage, whether that be their leaves or blossoming flowers. So if you want to know more about these fascinating species, then you have come to the right place.
In the following article, we have compiled a list of indigo plants, so that you can learn more about the different varieties and their unique characteristics. These plants will either sport indigo leaves or flowers, so you know there is a plant for everybody.
So if you are ready to learn more about indigo plants, this article has everything you need to start your lesson…
1. Eastern Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)
Purple coneflowers are native to North America and grow wild throughout the country. They are found in fields, meadows, roadsides, and along streams.
They are perennial plants that bloom in late spring and early summer. Their flowers are usually pinkish-purple, although there are many different colors. Today, they are used to make herbal teas and tinctures.
2. Purple Morning Glory (Ipomoea Purpurea)
Purple morning glory is a plant native to North and Central America, where it grows well in warm climates.
Known for its round indigo flowers, the plant is cultivated for its medicinal properties and can be used to treat diabetes and kidney stones.
3. Common Periwinkle (Vinca Minor)
Periwinkles are small flowers that grow in clusters on plants such as violets and buttercups. They come in many different colors, with the most common being indigo-blue.
Because of their nutritional value, periwinkles have been used in traditional medicine to treat coughs, colds, and other respiratory ailments. In addition, they are known to be effective against certain cancers.
4. Purple Verbena (Verbena Officianlis)
Purple verbena is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. It grows up to 1 meter tall and produces indigo flowers in early spring.
Today, purple verbena is grown commercially for its essential oil, with the herb also being used medicinally for digestive issues such as indigestion and stomach upset.
5. Wild Indigo (Baptisia Australis)
As you can guess from its name, wild indigo is a plant known for its dark purple flowers. It is native to the woodlands and prairies of North America.
It was once used by the Native Americans to make herbal remedies and is now grown commercially to treat malaria, dysentery, and skin conditions.
6. Sea Holly (Eryngium Bourgati)
Sea hollies are native to Europe and grow wild throughout the Mediterranean. They are found in fields, meadows, roadsides, and along the coast.
They are perennial plants that bloom during the late summer and fall. Their flowers are spherical and boast sharp spines, with the petals and stem being a rich shade of purple-blue.
7. African Lily (Agapanthus Africanus)
The African lily is one of the most popular plants in the world. They are native to South Africa and grow well in many parts of the US.
The plant is known for its beautiful indigo flowers, although there are many varieties available in different colors and sizes. Some people call these plants ‘lily of the Nile’.
8. Love-In-A-Mist (Nigella Damascena)
Love-in-a-mist is a plant native to the Mediterranean region. It is used in cooking, medicine, perfume, cosmetics, and religious ceremonies.
The annual plant will bloom during the early summer, where it will produce pointed flowers in shades of blue and purple. While the plant is considered a toxic alkaloid, it is not poisonous to humans and other mammals.
9. Alpine Columbine (Aquilegia Alpina)
This plant is native to the mountains of Europe and has small indigo flowers with yellow centers. There are many different species of Columbine that vary in color and size. Some are pink, red, purple, yellow, orange, and white.
They are commonly found growing wild in meadows, fields, and along roadsides. Columbine flowers are used for ornamental purposes and often feature in floral arrangements.
10. Common Flax (Linum Usitatissimum)
Flax is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia, where it can be identified by its distinctive capsules and indigo flowers.
Flax flowers are one of the most nutritious foods available. They contain omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. The seeds are used to make linseed oil, which can be used in cooking and decorating.
11. Texas Lupine (Lupinus Texenis)
Texas lupines are native to Texas and grow wild throughout the state. They are found in prairies, grasslands and desserts.
They are perennial plants that live for about 5 years and grow up to 3 feet tall. They bloom from spring to fall and produce oval-shaped petals in shades of purple and blue.
12. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus Odoratus)
A sweet pea is a beautiful flower that can be found in gardens and parks. They grow tall and straight, and their flowers are usually pink, purple, or blue.
There are many different types of sweet peas, with the most common species being found in Europe and Asia. Thus, the plant is cultivated for its ornamental beauty and strong scent.
13. Glory-Of-The-Snow (Scilla Luciliae)
Glory-of-the-snow is a beautiful flower that grows in warm climates, with the species being native to the Middle East.
The flowers are pale purple and bloom during the late spring and summer. After flowering, the plant will go into dormancy until the next season.
14. Poorman’s Weatherglass (Anagallis Arvenis)
Poorman’s weatherglass is a species of low-growing plant native to western Asia and North Africa. Despite being known for its red petals, the plant can come in a variety of colors, such as blue, indigo, and pink.
While the flowers are toxic to small animals, the plant has been cultivated for its medicinal properties and can be used to treat slow-healing ulcers and wounds.
15. Birdbill Dayflower (Commelina Dianthifolia)
The birdbill dayflower is a species of plant native to the southwestern United States, where it can be found in Arizona, Mexico, and Texas.
In addition, the perennial herb can be identified by its blue petals and green leaves, with the species commonly being used to treat patients with tuberculosis. However, the species is also considered a powerful aphrodisiac.
16. Mountain Larkspur (Delphinium Glaucum)
A plant native to the mountains of North America, in fact mountain larkspur is one of the most popular wildflowers found along trails and roadsides throughout the region.
Moreover, this perennial herbaceous plant grows up to 1 foot tall and produces small indigo flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
17. Bluecrown Passionflower (Passiflora Caerulea)
Bluecrown passionflower is a perennial plant native to South America. In addition, it grows up to 3 feet tall and produces white flowers with blue accents in the late spring.
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Though the fruit of the plant is edible, it can be insipid when eaten raw. Herbal tea can be made from the plant’s leaves, with the flowers also being used to make lotions and oils.
18. Desert Bluebells (Phacelia Campanularia)
Desert bluebells are a flowering plant native to the borders of California, where they can be found in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. Furthermore, they are known for their dark indigo petals and can be found in dry and sandy places.
Classed as an annual species, the plant will bloom during the spring and summer. The juice and hairs may also cause irritation when coming into contact with human skin.
19. Stiff Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium Demissum)
Stiff blue-eyed grass is a perennial plant native to the New World. Moreover, it grows up to 3 feet tall and spreads via underground rhizomes.
This plant blooms in late spring and early summer. Hence, its flowers come in shades of pink, purple, white, yellow, orange, red, and blue.
20. Small Scabiosa (Scabiosa Columbaria)
In fact, small scabiosa is a widespread species of flowering plant that can be found in Europe, Africa and western Asia. The plant commonly grows in forests and meadows, although it can also thrive in calcareous grasslands.
Known for its purple-blue petals, the flower will bloom during the summer and fall, where it is cultivated for its ornamental beauty and floral scent.
21. Globe Thistle (Echinops Bannaticus)
Globe thistle is a plant native to Europe and Asia. In fact, it is famous as a medicinal herb used for centuries to treat liver ailments.
The species can be identified by its prickly foliage and will bloom spherical flower heads during the summer. In addition, the petals are usually light indigo with pale hairs.
22. French Hydrangea (Hydrangea Macrophylla)
French hydrangeas are beautiful flowers that grow well in many different climates. Thus, they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
They are popular plants for landscaping, and they make great cut flowers. The species is native to Japan and produces indigo or blue petals during the summer and fall.
Conclusion
Finally, as you can see, there are numerous indigo plants available, with our selection only showcasing some of the more unique species. So if you want to add one of these beautiful specimens to your garden, you now have everything you need to add the best one to your land.
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