wild indigo

noun

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Baptisia, of the legume family, especially B. tinctoria, having yellow flowers.

wild indigo

noun

1. any of several North American leguminous plants of the genus Baptisia, esp B. tinctoria, which has yellow flowers and three-lobed leaves

Word History and Origins

Origin of wild indigo¹

An Americanism dating back to 1735–45

Example Sentences

The plants and bushes were dry; but wild indigo abounded, as indeed it does over large tracts of Africa.

From Project Gutenberg

Several are to be found in April and May amid the wild indigo that grows on the Lahore golf links.

From Project Gutenberg

This plain was covered with wild indigo, and abounded with peafowl.

From Project Gutenberg

The “wild indigo tree,” was also seen growing in the woods, with a leaf narrow at the base, and broad at the extremity.

From Project Gutenberg

She dye wid copperas and walnut and wild indigo and things like dat and make pretty cloth.

From Project Gutenberg