Amsonia tabernaemontana var. tabernaemontana (Wideleaf Bluestar)

Amsonia tabernaemontana var. tabernaemontana is known as Wideleaf Buestar, or blue dogbane. This long-lived perennial grows up to 3 feet tall and wide, and forms a bushy appearance after flowering in the spring.

A member of the dogbane family, bluestars sport stalks of feathery leaves from a central root system. Their foliage is unpalatable to deer. Bluestars are an important early season flowering species, blooming April and May with clusters of light icy blue flowers. Hummingbirds, long-tongued bees, moths and and butterflies visit the flowers. The species is a host plant for the coral hairstreak butterfly and snowberry clearwing hummingbird moth.

Amsonia are easily cultivated in gardens and prized for their unique form and flowers. This bluestar prefers average to moist soil and full to part sun, with more sun meaning more moisture requirements. This plant turns a lovely golden yellow in the autumn. Its deep roots are difficult to relocate once established, so decide its location with care.