Eastern bluestar Amsonia tabernaemontana
Eastern bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Apocynaceae family, native to Eastern United States. It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 60–90 cm (24–35 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Eastern bluestar at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Eastern bluestar toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: sap
Dogbane family: milky sap may irritate; not for eating.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Eastern bluestar
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Eastern bluestar
- How far apart should I plant Eastern bluestar?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60–90 cm (24–35 in).
- Does Eastern bluestar need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Eastern bluestar need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Eastern bluestar?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Eastern bluestar flower?
- From about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Eastern bluestar poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Dogbane family: milky sap may irritate; not for eating.
- What grows well with Eastern bluestar?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Eastern bluestar. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Native Plant Information Network, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin
Notes and assumptions
- Clusters of powder-blue stars in spring; the foliage turns butter-yellow in autumn. Deer-resistant.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Lesser periwinkle Vinca minor
- Jelutong Dyera costulata