wideleaf blue-stars

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

2-3 ft. tall
2-3 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Fresh seed will germinate immediately with no pretreatment. Stored seed should be nicked and then soaked 2-3 days.

Plants/Diseases

No significant pest or disease issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects

Leaves

Simple, alternate leaves with entire (smooth) margins.

Flowers

blue to purple star-shaped flowers with five petals.

Fruit

long, narrow bean like pods.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Floodplain forests, moist, rich slope forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the coastal plain and piedmont. Uncommon in the mountains.