Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana)

Eastern Bluestar emerges early in the spring, sending out vibrant, lime green leaves that darken as the season progresses. In April, rich blue flower buds begin to form at the stem tips, making a grand show as each tiny bloom bursts open to reveal porcelain blue petals. The tiny, starry blossoms are often massed together and can appear as a much larger flower. As these fade, the seedpods elongate and point straight up, becoming upright accents in this strongly mounded plant. The narrow leaves turn a striking yellow in the fall.  Amsonia tabernaemontana grows well in moist, sunny sites. It is quite tolerant of most conditions, but the flower display is definitely more impressive in full sun. This beautiful plant grows more distinguished with age, averaging a 3 ft. by 3 ft. mound after a few years.  Part of the Dogbane family, deer and rabbits won't bother Eastern Bluestar, but Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Large Carpenter Bees, Hummingbird Moths, and a myriad of butterflies will flock t