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Apocynaceae
Bluestar
Amsonia tabernaemontana
Quiet beauty, lasting joy, hope.
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Genus
- Amsonia
- Native to
- Eastern and central United States
- Bloom season
- Late Spring, Early Summer
- Type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 60–90 cm
- Sunlight
- Full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Average, well-drained
- Water
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- 3–9
- Lifespan
- Very long-lived perennial
Did you know
- Bluestar produces clusters of pale ice-blue star-shaped flowers in late spring — one of the few true blues in late-spring perennial gardens.
- Its real claim to fame is the spectacular butter-yellow fall color — the willow-like foliage turns brilliant gold and lights up the autumn border.
- Amsonia hubrichtii (threadleaf bluestar) was the 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year for its three-season interest: spring flowers, summer texture, and unforgettable fall color.
- The genus is named for Charles Amson, an 18th-century Virginia physician and friend of botanist John Clayton.
- All Amsonia species exude a milky white sap when cut, which deters deer, rabbits, and most insect pests.
Color meanings
Blue
Star of evening