Marcus, Joseph A.
Amsonia ciliata Walt.
Fringed bluestar, Bluestar, Blue funnel lily, Texas bluestar
Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)
The blue star plant grows 15–24 inches tall. The leaves are borne singly, but very close together all the way up the
stem to the flower cluster. They are 1/2 inch wide and 2 inches long, with one
vein running lengthwise down the center and attached directly to the main
stem (without a petiole). The leaves are smooth, soft, and slightly smaller toward the upper part of the stem. The narrow tube of the pale blue flower, 1/2 inch long, opens into 5 petal-like lobes in a star shape l/2 inch across, with a ring of white at the center. Several blossoms grow in a loose cluster at the tips of the stems.
Image Gallery:
36 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Flower: Flowers 1 inch
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , MO , NC , OK , SC , TX
Native Distribution: NC to FL, w. to MO & TX
Native Habitat: Dry, open woods; chalky hills
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Well-drained, sandy loam or limestone. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Limestone-based.
Conditions Comments: This plant becomes aggressive in rich, garden soil. It does need some summer water. To keep blue star erect and bushy, cut it back after it has flowered.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Fringed bluestar is a long-lived
perennial grown for its handsome foliage and spring flowers. The multi-stemmed clumps, to 3 ft. tall, are crowded with smooth, narrow, light-green leaves giving the plant a fine-textured, delicate appearance. Steel-blue, tubular flowers, the rim flaring to a star-shape, appear in loosely conjested clusters at the tips of the stems. The thin seedpods and golden fall foliage are additional attributes.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
2009-04-18
