SafePlants

Amsonia repens: Creeping Bluestar

Amsonia repens, commonly known as Creeping Bluestar, is a mat-forming perennial valued for its attractive ground cover potential. Its delicate blue flowers and low-growing habit make it a popular choice for gardens.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is known to have a sapling deportment and may contain sap.
• Amsonia repens has tiny leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Amsonia repens Shinners
• Common Name: Creeping Bluestar
• Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)
• Genus: Amsonia Walter
• Synonyms:
• Creeping Blue Star

Distribution and Habitat

• Amsonia repens is found in E Texas.
• Amsonia 'Georgia Pancake' was discovered in a sandhills habitat in central Georgia’s Wheeler County.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Evergreen mat-forming perennial.
• Features tiny, deep green leaves.
• Produces starry, light blue flowers.
• Exhibits a low-growing, creeping habit, ideal for ground cover.
• Some sources indicate that it develops in an erect manner and becomes a tree as the years go by with a short stem.

Interesting Varieties

• Amsonia ciliata var. filifolia 'Georgia Pancake' is a low-growing variety.

Potential Uses

• Used as an attractive ground cover under trees and between stepping stones.
• Suitable for filling the edge of a pond or moist landscape.
• Ideal for rock gardens or sunny gardens in small spaces.
• Can be used in baskets, rockeries, and tubs.

Related Species and Plants

• Mentioned alongside other ground covers like golden creeping thyme, Veronica repens (Creeping Speedwell), Isotoma fluviatilis (Blue Star Creeper/Pratia), blue fescue (Festuca cinere), and creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia).
• Often paired with Creeping Phlox in rock gardens.

Propagation

• Can be propagated by cuttings in early summer.