Pest identification
What's eating my yellow wild indigo?
Genista broom moth caterpillar (Uresiphita reversalis)
Signs: Webbed silk, defoliation, and clusters of yellow-green caterpillars on stems
Control: Spray Bt at early instar; handpick and destroy; monitor closely in mid-summer
Baptisia weevil
Signs: Holes chewed in the distinctive round seed pods; seeds consumed inside
Control: Inspect pods regularly; remove and bin infested ones to limit next-year populations
Aphids
Signs: Cottony clusters or sticky honeydew on young stems and leaves
Control: Insecticidal soap spray; introduce or encourage ladybird beetles as natural predators
Keep yellow wild indigo pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Yellow Wild Indigo pests — FAQ
What is eating my yellow wild indigo?
Yellow Wild Indigo (Baptisia sphaerocarpa) is equally tough but shares Baptisia's vulnerability to the genista broom moth caterpillar, which can strip a plant quickly. Weevils target the round seed pods. Deer and rabbits generally leave this species alone, making it an excellent low-maintenance native for browsed landscapes.
How do I get rid of genista broom moth caterpillar (uresiphita reversalis) on yellow wild indigo?
Webbed silk, defoliation, and clusters of yellow-green caterpillars on stems Spray Bt at early instar; handpick and destroy; monitor closely in mid-summer
How do I get rid of baptisia weevil on yellow wild indigo?
Holes chewed in the distinctive round seed pods; seeds consumed inside Inspect pods regularly; remove and bin infested ones to limit next-year populations
How do I get rid of aphids on yellow wild indigo?
Cottony clusters or sticky honeydew on young stems and leaves Insecticidal soap spray; introduce or encourage ladybird beetles as natural predators