Bluestars are in the genus Amsonia. There are at least twenty-two known species, and most are native to the Eastern United States. All are in the Apocynaceae (Dogbane) family, so named because the milky sap is slightly toxic to dogs. Due to the unpleasant taste of the sap, Bluestars are deer- and rabbit-resistant. There are no known serious insect or disease problems.
There are at least twenty-two known species of Amsonia.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Amsonias are in the Dogbane (Apocynaceae) family and exude a milky sap with an unpleasant taste that deters deer and rabbits from nibbling on the plants.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
They grow in full sun to part shade in average, well-drained soils. For our hot South Carolina climate, it’s best to plant it in an area that gets some light afternoon shade during the afternoon. Remember, the plants will be floppy if planted in too much shade.
Two of my favorite species are the Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) and Threadleaf or Hubricht’s Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii). The genus Amsonia is named after Dr. Charles Amson, an 18th-century doctor and amateur botanist from Virginia. Both are excellent additions to a pollinator garden and attract a wide variety of butterflies and bees.
Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) is a great addition to a pollinator garden and attracts butterflies and bees.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) is native to a large area of the United States and will grow in USDA planting zones 3 to 9. The plant is 2 to 3 feet tall and wide and has blue star-shaped flower clusters that bloom in April and May. The linear willow-shaped foliage will turn yellow in the fall. The species epithet, tabernaemontana, is named after the 16th-century German herbalist Theodorus Tabernaemotanus.
Eastern Bluestar has blue star-shaped flower clusters that bloom in April and May.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
The linear, willow-shaped foliage of Eastern Bluestar is attractive when the plant is not in bloom.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Threadleaf, also known as Hubricht’s Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii), was first discovered in 1942 by Leslie Hubricht in the Ouachita Mountains of central Arkansas and Oklahoma. It is hardy in USDA planting zones 5 to 8 and will reach a height and width of 2 to 3 feet. The powder-blue star-shaped flowers bloom from April to May. The feathery thread-like foliage is bright green in the spring and summer. It is a show stopper in the fall when the foliage turns a bright yellow-gold, lighting up the garden. Hubricht’s Bluestar was named the 2011 Perennial of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association.
Threadleaf, also known as Hubricht’s Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii), has clusters of powder-blue star-shaped flowers in April and May.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
The feathery, thread-like foliage of Hubricht’s Bluestar turns a bright yellow-gold in the fall.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Most nurseries will carry Bluestars, so check availability at your favorite local nursery to add several of these beautiful blue flowering native perennials to your garden this spring.
