Amsonia illustris | shining blue star

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Amsonia illustris is a lovely, large bluestar with typical pale blue flowers and outstanding golden fall color.

It can be a bit hard to distinguish between some of the bluestars. A. illustris and A. tambernaemontana var. salicifolia are extremely similar, differentiated only by minute details of the fruit, flowers, and foliage. A. illustris has hairs along the flower calyx, downward facing seedpods, shiny foliage, and undulating leaf margins. The shiny leaves are quite beautiful and help to set this plant apart at quick glance.

Shining blue star grows naturally along sandy or rocky streambanks. It grows just as happily in average garden soil, but prefers good moisture and good drainage in full sun. Tolerates shade but tends to flop.

Syn. Amsonia tabernaemontana var. illustris

Zones: 5 to 9
Family: Apocynaceae
Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 24 to 36 in.
Spread: 12 to 18 in.
Exposure: full sun to part shade
Soil: average, medium, well-drained
Bloom Time: May
Native Range: central US