Baptisia australis - perennial plant of the year for 2010.
A slow growing perennial that is hardy to zone 3. 36" at maturity but may take 3 years to achieve this. Grows in full sun or part shade, has a deep taproot so it doesn't like being moved once it is established. Drought tolerant but flower production will be reduced.
Baptisia is from ancient Greek - bapto meaning to dip, australis is Latin for Southern. The common name blue false indigo refers to the use by early Americans as a dye.
It produces long spikes of flowers that look like lupines. The color is an intense blue/violet and lasts for 3-4 weeks. Seed pods resemble beans.
The yellow flowered variety is Baptisia tinctoria.