Pest identification
What's eating my blue wild indigo?
Genista broom moth caterpillar (Uresiphita reversalis)
Signs: Rapid defoliation; silk webbing and green caterpillars visible on stems and leaves
Control: Handpick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) at first sign of infestation; insecticidal soap for small colonies
Baptisia weevil (Apion rostrum complex)
Signs: Small holes in seed pods; seeds destroyed before maturity
Control: Collect and dispose of infested pods; hand-picking adults in spring reduces populations
Aphids
Signs: Honeydew deposits, sticky stems, and slow growth on new shoot tips
Control: Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap; natural predators usually control populations without intervention
Keep blue wild indigo pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Blue Wild Indigo pests — FAQ
What is eating my blue wild indigo?
Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis) is remarkably pest-resistant, but a handful of specialist insects target it. The genista broom moth caterpillar is the most serious threat, stripping foliage rapidly. Deer generally avoid it due to toxic alkaloids, making it a good choice for browsed gardens.
How do I get rid of genista broom moth caterpillar (uresiphita reversalis) on blue wild indigo?
Rapid defoliation; silk webbing and green caterpillars visible on stems and leaves Handpick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) at first sign of infestation; insecticidal soap for small colonies
How do I get rid of baptisia weevil (apion rostrum complex) on blue wild indigo?
Small holes in seed pods; seeds destroyed before maturity Collect and dispose of infested pods; hand-picking adults in spring reduces populations
How do I get rid of aphids on blue wild indigo?
Honeydew deposits, sticky stems, and slow growth on new shoot tips Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap; natural predators usually control populations without intervention