Overall plant
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: blue star
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Apocynaceae
Native Range: Southeastern United States
Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: May
Bloom Description: Pale blue
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Rain Garden
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Leaf: Good Fall
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer, Dry Soil
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Prefers sandy soils with regular moisture and sharp drainage but tolerates dry soil. Best fall foliage color usually occurs in full sun, but flowers generally last longer if given some light afternoon shade in hot sun areas. Stems tend to open up and flop in too much shade. Consider cutting back the stems to 8-10” after flowering to promote bushy growth and, if desired, to further reduce the outside stem height so as to create a more rounded foliage mound.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Amsonia ciliata, commonly called fringed bluestar or downy bluestar, is a clump-forming perennial that is native from North Carolina to Florida west to Missouri, Arkansas and Texas. It is generally found in sandy soils. It typically grows to 2-3’ tall. Terminal clusters of star-like, light blue flowers bloom in mid spring (May) atop generally erect stems clad with narrow, almost needle-like, green leaves. Foliage turns attractive shades of yellow in fall. Stems and leaves produce a milky latex when cut or torn which protects the plant from herbivory. The blooms are attractive to butterflies and other insect pollinators.
Genus name honors Dr. John Amson (1698-1765?), an English physician and amateur botanist who lived and worked in Williamsburg, Virginia during the colonial period.
Specific epithet means hairy-margined in reference to the fringe of hairs found on new leaves and plant stems (hence the sometimes use of fringed or downy in the common name).
Problems
No serious pest or disease problems. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, open woodland areas, rain gardens. Best when massed. Flowers can be used in fresh cut arrangements.