Rounded spikes of starry, sky blue flowers emerge in spring and last for several weeks. Deep green willowlike leaves turn bright gold in the fall. The plant takes on a substantial rounded form in the garden. Swallowtail butterflies love the nectar. Sometimes called Ozark Blue Star. May be planted as a hedge. Grows well in poorly drained clay soil. Amsonia ciliata is a similar species that can tolerate drier conditions.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Shining Blue Star
Amsonia illustris
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Blue, White
Fall Color: Gold
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Hummingbird, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Pollinators
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size
Height:
3 to
4
feet
Spread:
3 to
4
feet
Size
Height: 3 to
4
feet
Spread: 3 to
4
feet
Size
Height: 3 to
4
feet
Spread: 3 to
4
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Plant in the border, native plant garden, or naturalized areas.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grows best in well-drained moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Handles a wide range of soil conditions.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant, Fresh Cut Flower
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.