Hello, Ross.

While baptisia is typically considered to be low maintenance and undemanding in terms of disease and pests, your photos indicate the start of powdery mildew. Trim away any affected leaves and dispose of them. Keep plenty of spacing around and within your plant. That, along with lots of sunshine will deter future growth of this fungus. Helpful details on managing baptisia are given at: https://plantpath.osu.edu/sites/plantpath/files/imce/images/NativePlants/BlueWildIndigo.pdf

This table offers additional information on identifying and treating potential baptisia issues: https://extension.psu.edu/baptisia-diseases.

We appreciate receiving your question. Please let us know of any additional information we can provide.

Happy growing,

Thank you for the help! Weirdly, the Baptisia is in full Sun and there is nothing within several feet of it. I assume it’s due to the incredibly hot spring we had, and the intense bouts of rain?

Because this one is young and only one stem, it appears as though I will need to cut that. It seems the chances of it coming back are slim. Should I get another, would it fall into the same issue should I plant it in the same spot, or would I best be served putting a new one somewhere else? Thanks!

Good morning, Ross. 

You are so right about our humid, steamy weather adding to fungus growth on your baptisia. Your sunny location is indeed good - no crowding and it's a young plant. It should thrive there. Unfortunately, powdery mildew travels easily so despite your best efforts, it can still develop or find its way to your plant. 

Looking closely at your photo, the upper leaves are just beginning to look a little yellow. Replacing the whole thing might be your next best step. 

As a side note, some leaves on your plant have obviously been munched on. This can be a sign that beneficial caterpillars - and future pollinators - are appreciating your good work. From https://hgic.clemson.edu/wild-or-false-indigo/: 

"The flowers sustain bumblebees and other winged pollinators, and the leaves feed the larvae of a variety of butterflies that include wild indigo duskywing, frosted elfin, eastern tailed-blue, silver-spotted skipper, and sulphurs."

Please be in touch if you'd like to talk more.