Pest identification
What's eating my baptisia 'purple smoke'?
Genista broom moth caterpillar (Uresiphita reversalis)
Signs: Rapid defoliation with visible webbing; groups of pale-green caterpillars on stems
Control: Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) at first detection; handpick and destroy larval clusters
Baptisia weevil
Signs: Seed pods bored through; seeds inside eaten before they can mature
Control: Remove and dispose of infested pods; adult weevils can be hand-collected in spring
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew, sooty mold, and distorted shoot tips
Control: Dislodge with water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray if colonies persist
Keep baptisia 'purple smoke' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' pests — FAQ
What is eating my baptisia 'purple smoke'?
Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' carries the same hardy pest profile as its parent species. Genista broom moth caterpillars are the primary threat and can defoliate plants quickly. Weevils damage seed pods. The toxic alkaloids in the foliage deter deer and rabbits, making this cultivar naturally browsing-resistant in most gardens.
How do I get rid of genista broom moth caterpillar (uresiphita reversalis) on baptisia 'purple smoke'?
Rapid defoliation with visible webbing; groups of pale-green caterpillars on stems Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) at first detection; handpick and destroy larval clusters
How do I get rid of baptisia weevil on baptisia 'purple smoke'?
Seed pods bored through; seeds inside eaten before they can mature Remove and dispose of infested pods; adult weevils can be hand-collected in spring
How do I get rid of aphids on baptisia 'purple smoke'?
Sticky honeydew, sooty mold, and distorted shoot tips Dislodge with water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray if colonies persist