Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia | Eastern bluestar

Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia 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. tambernaemontana var. salicifolia and A. illustris are extremely similar, differentiated only by minute details of the fruit, flowers, and foliage. A. tambernaemontana var. salicifolia has upward facing fruit, matte foliage, and smooth leaf margins. 

Eastern bluestar 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.

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