The genus name honors the English botanist William Vernon, who did fieldwork in North America. Back of a moist wildflower garden. Can also use on the edges of natural or created wetlands and streams.

This plant is a legume and its roots have nitrogen-fixing nodules on them. It is useful on nutrient poor soils. Baptisia simplicifolia is a Florida endemic and is listed as Threatened by the FDACS. Treat as a small shrub even though this is not woody or use as a background plant in a wildflower garden.

Shady settings. Interesting for its green twigs and red warty fruits. In good habitats it can form dense clones.

The name 'passion' is a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. Parts of the flower are said to resemble instruments used during the crucifixion. Given the proper support this plant makes an excellent climbing vine hedge.

Foliage has a strong minty smell. Dry wildflower garden.

Moist wildflower garden. Makes a good mass planting on the edge of a pond or ditch.

Range includes areas usually relatively near the coast in Southeastern United States west to Texas, north to North Carolina, and south to the Monroe County Keys; and Mexico,  the Neotropics and Bermuda. Rare in the northern parts of its range and in the Florida keys. Naturalistic areas especially near the coast.

This species and other members of the Lauraceae are being attacked by a serious, fatal disease. Do not plant this plant unless you are absolutely sure that it is not infected! This and other bays are being attacked by a fatal disease (laurel wilt disease). Avoid spreading this plant, it is best not to plant this or other bays.

The range of this species includes much of eastern North America up into southern Canada.  Its occurrence in Florida is sparse with appropriate substrate likely being the primary determining factor. Treasure if you have it. Good for rock gardens and shade gardens as an understory plant.

Large clump-forming grass with uses as tall groundcover, specimen plant, or border plant. Nice along edges of ponds and water features.