fringed bluestar

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

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

Tolerant of

Deer

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Sow fresh seed outside 1/2″ deep. Seed will germinate without treatment. Stored seed will require the end cut off and soak in water 2-3 days. Propagated by root division.

Plant Planting Notes

Minimum 12″ between plants, but can be spaced up to 3′

Plants/Diseases

No serious insect or disease problems.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves are simple, 1-3 inches long, and needle-like with entire margins. Alternate leaf arrangement on stem.

Flowers

The blue flowers are borne on a panicle in spring with 4-5 petals. Each flower is less than 1 inch in diameter.

Fruit

Narrow, erect follicles containing two seeds.

Bark

Stems are straight and pubescent. Produce a milky sap when broken.

Toxicity

The latex sap may cause mild irritation, but is not considered harmful.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Sandy, open woods

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the SC Coastal Plain and Sandhills, absent from the Piedmont and Mountains

Subspecies

Amsonia ciliata var. ciliata
Amsonia ciliata var. filifolia
Amsonia ciliata var. texana