Amsonia tabernaemontana
Eastern Bluestar, Blue Dogbane, Willow Amsonia, Woodland Bluestar
Bluestar is a herbaceous perennial plant native to wet, sandy, open, and rocky woods and thickets. It grows in an erect, clump-forming pattern and produces beautiful clusters of light-blue, star-shaped flowers that are 3/4" in size. The flowers bloom on top of upright and leafy stems in late spring. The plant's narrow, dull green foliage is willow-shaped and may turn yellow in the fall. The plant can either be cut close to the ground or left for winter interest.
Bluestar grows best in full sun, but if that's not possible, the plant may need staking due to its floppy form. Cutting the stems back after flowering will create a neater, more rounded appearance. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant.
Amsonia, one of our most beautiful native species, produces a light display from the mountains to the coast. The pale blue flowers turn into elongated, pod-like fruits that contain hard, black seeds used for propagation. This plant is resistant to deer and other herbivores because its foliage contains toxic white latex.
BONAP MAP
Height: 2’-3'
Spread: 2’-3'
Bloom: March-May
Light: Part Shade
Water: High
Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Origin: Central & Eastern U.S.
