Identify Shrub With Purple Blooms And Shiny Leaves And Pea Pods

Question From: Columbus, Ohio, United States
Q: Hello! I had a shrub in southern Minnesota when we lived there that had beautiful purple blooms and kind of a shiny leaf. When it came up in the spring it came in stalks like a peonies do. This shrub had pods, like a pea pod, that was full of seeds which hung on the branches. I have never been able to find the name of this plant. Would you happen to know what it is?

A: I think you are referring to Baptisia, also called False Indigo. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy