Amsonia tabernaemontana - Eastern Bluestar

Morphology/Growth: Like other Bluestars, this wildflower boasts beautiful clusters of light blue, starry flowers in the spring along with delicate, feathery foliage. Leaves turn bright yellow in the fall, making it a beautiful addition throughout the year. Compared to A. hubrichtii and A. illustris, this species has the widest leaves, and holds their seed pods upright rather than pendant like A. illustris. 

Height: 2-3 ft

Sun: Full Sun - Part Sun

Water: Medium - Wet

Bloom color: Light Blue

Bloom time: April-May

Habitat/Best Environments: Occurs naturally in rocky woods and thickets. This wildflower is tolerant of many sun/soil conditions, but does best in medium-moist soil. As with all Amsonias, if grown in too rich soil or too much shade it may flop over when flowering.

Ecological relationships: Attracts many kinds of pollinators, especially butterflies and moths. Toxic internal sap gives it great resistance to most herbivores. Sap is mildly toxic to humans—wear gloves when cutting back to avoid skin irritation.