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woolly bluestar
Scientific Name: Amsonia tomentosa var. tomentosa
Family: Apocynaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Woolly Bluestar (Amsonia tomentosa)
The plant Amsonia tomentosa is commonly known as Woolly Bluestar and Gray Amsonia.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is a member of the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae).
- Some sources describe it as a shrub with many erect stems.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Amsonia tomentosa
- Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Amsonia arenaria, Amsonia eastwoodiana
- Varieties: Amsonia tomentosa var. stenophylla, Amsonia tomentosa var. tomentosa, Amsonia ciliata Walter var . Frm. var. stenophylla Kearney & Peebles
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the southwestern United States.
- Observed in locations such as Red Rock Canyon, Nevada, and New Mexico.
- Found in desert environments, including Joshua Tree National Park.
Morphological Characteristics
- A short, woody plant with many erect stems, rarely reaching half a meter in height.
- Leaves are alternate, lanceolate (lance-shaped), and may be hairy or hairless (glabrous).
- Two forms exist: a green glabrous (hairless) form and a gray woolly form.
- Grows to a height of 6 to 24 inches (15-60 cm) and can spread to a width of 6 to 18 inches (15-45 cm).
- Clusters of bluish, 5-petaled flowers.
Quirky Facts
- The scientific name, Amsonia tomentosa Torr. & Frm. references Fremont's report from 1843-44 (published in 1845).
Additional Resources
- Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
- Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Amsonia tomentosa.
- CalPhotos: A database of photos, including images of Amsonia tomentosa.