Pest identification
What's eating my white wild indigo?
Genista broom moth caterpillar (Uresiphita reversalis)
Signs: Webbing on stems and sudden loss of foliage; green caterpillars feeding in groups
Control: Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) early; handpick colonies; remove webbing and larvae promptly
Baptisia weevil
Signs: Punctured seed pods with hollowed or missing seeds
Control: Pick off and discard infested pods; collect adults by hand in early spring
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew on foliage; stunted or curled shoot tips
Control: Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap for persistent colonies
Keep white wild indigo pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
White Wild Indigo pests — FAQ
What is eating my white wild indigo?
White Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba) shares the pest profile of other Baptisia species. The genista broom moth caterpillar is the primary threat, capable of rapid defoliation. Baptisia weevils destroy seed pods, and aphids occasionally colonize soft growth. Deer and rabbits typically leave it alone due to its alkaloid content.
How do I get rid of genista broom moth caterpillar (uresiphita reversalis) on white wild indigo?
Webbing on stems and sudden loss of foliage; green caterpillars feeding in groups Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) early; handpick colonies; remove webbing and larvae promptly
How do I get rid of baptisia weevil on white wild indigo?
Punctured seed pods with hollowed or missing seeds Pick off and discard infested pods; collect adults by hand in early spring
How do I get rid of aphids on white wild indigo?
Sticky honeydew on foliage; stunted or curled shoot tips Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap for persistent colonies