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eastern bluestar

Scientific Name: Amsonia tabernaemontana var. gattingeri

Family: Apocynaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: KY (eastern blue-star), TN (limestone blue star)

       

Amsonia tabernaemontana: Eastern Bluestar

Amsonia tabernaemontana, commonly known as Eastern Bluestar, is a captivating perennial prized for its elegant pale blue, star-shaped flowers that bloom from spring to midsummer.

Considerations for Pets

  • Amsonia tabernaemontana is also known as Blue Dogbane.

Considerations for Children

  • No specific hazards are mentioned in the provided text.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Amsonia tabernaemontana Walter
  • Family: Apocynaceae (Apocynum)
  • Common Names: Eastern Bluestar, Woodland Blue Star, Willow Amsonia, Blue Dogbane, Bluestar, Rhazya
  • Varieties:
    • Amsonia tabernaemontana var. tabernaemontana
    • Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the southern and southeastern United States and northern Mexico, but not New England.
  • Specifically mentioned as native to Texas and other states.
  • Typically found in moist slope forests and floodplain forests in the south, from Texas to Illinois to Virginia.
  • Also found in Georgia and Louisiana.

Morphological Characteristics

  • An erect-stemmed perennial that forms large, multi-stemmed clumps.
  • Typically grows to a height of 1 to 4 feet and a diameter of 4 feet.
  • Stems are described as leafy, light green, and smooth.
  • Leaves are elongated, lance-shaped, light green, and sometimes described as willow-like.
  • Flowers are pale blue and star-shaped, appearing in clusters.
  • Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia has elliptic to lance-shaped, matt, dark green leaves.

Ecological Role

  • Considered one of the best native perennials.
  • Its presence is considered beneficial in gardens due to its attractive foliage and flowers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • This plant is available for trade among plant enthusiasts.

Quirky Facts

  • The text humorously notes that cultivating Amsonia tabernaemontana is easier than pronouncing its name.

Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information.
  • Discover Life offers a page about its biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
  • Encyclopedia of Life includes articles and information.
  • Toadshade Wildflower Farm specializes in native plants.
  • USDA-Plants classifies this plant.
  • iNaturalist contains classification data.