The leaflets of false indigo turn black upon drying unlike those of the Ouachita indigobush. Causes of Decline Alteration of streambanks and conversion of wetland areas have adversely affected Ouachita indigobush. Forestry practices, such as clear-cutting and conversion of native forests to pine plantations, may indirectly threaten populations. Recovery Needs Areas harboring populations of Ouachita indigobush should be protected from stream alteration or wetland drainage. Additional research into the life history of this plant is crucial.
New growth has hairs with blister like bases.
Buds are ovoid to almost round and covered with hairs. Leaves are held out away from the stem, alternate, and once pinnately compound. Inflorescences are unbranched stalks of flowers. Flowers are perfect with five, fused sepals and one petal. The calyx is tubular with short lobes that have rounded apices.