Ozark Bluestar
(Amsonia illustris)
Left: Amsonia illustris from ASMSA's garden in Late Summer 2024.
Above: Blooming Amsonia illustris in the ASMSA garden in Spring 2024.
Plant Characteristics
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
Ozark Bluestar requires medium water usage, partial shade, and moist, acidic soil. A half day of sunlight is best.
Growth Habit/Description:
Ozark Bluestar features prolific clusters of star-like periwinkle blossoms, often bunched so tightly together that they appear as a much larger-looking bloom. The BlueStar will grow to be about 3 feet tall.
Bloom Season:
The BlueStar will bloom from March through May.
Fall and/or Winter Interest?
No.
Distribution
Habitat: You can find the bluestar in prairies, plains, meadows, pastures, savannahs, and marshes.
Native to Arkansas? Yes
Native to Garland County? Yes
Endemic to Arkansas? No
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
No.
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. Butterflies and bees use Amsonia illustris for nectar.
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: Named after a 19th-century botanist, Charles Amson.
Related Plant Species:
Amsonia ciliata, Amsonia elliptica, Amsonia fugatei, Amsonia grandiflora, and Amsonia hubrichtii.
Use For Food/Medicine:
N/A
References
Prairie Moon. Amsonia illustris. https://www.prairiemoon.com/amsonia-illustris-ozark-bluestar#:~:text=Ozark%20Bluestar%20features%20prolific%20clusters,most%20other%20foodsources%20are%20available.
USDA. Plant Database. Amsonia illustris. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=AMIL
Last Edited by Dray Makepeace, September 2024.