Eastern Bluestar Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia
ABOUT
The plant known as Eastern bluestar showcases an attractive arrangement of narrow, willow-like leaves that are arranged in an alternate fashion along the stems. These leaves generally have a smooth texture and a rich green color, presenting a lush and verdant appearance. With the changing of seasons, particularly in the fall, the foliage transforms into a stunning display of golden yellow, adding a striking visual interest to the landscape. The Eastern bluestar blooms in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of star-shaped, pale blue flowers that appear on the ends of the stems. These delicate flowers offer a subtle yet refreshing splash of color. After the blooming period, the plant produces seed pods that provide additional visual appeal and can attract birds and other wildlife to a garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apocynaceae
Synonyms
Eastern Bluestar, Willow Leaf Blue Star, Woodland Bluestar
Common names
Amsonia angustifolia, Amsonia ciliata, Amsonia lanceolata, Amsonia montana, Amsonia virginica, Amsonia virginica var. lanceolata.
ToxicityTo humans
Commonly known as Eastern Bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia is not known to be toxic to humans. There's limited information on the toxicity of this specific variety, but generally, the Amsonia genus is not associated with severe toxicity. However, as with many plants, ingestion of any part may potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of saponins and other plant compounds. It is important to avoid eating this or any ornamental plant to prevent potential upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting.
To pets
Eastern Bluestar, which is another name for Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia, is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. Toxicity information specific to pets for this particular variety is not well-documented, but the Amsonia genus as a whole is not typically associated with serious toxicity. Nonetheless, it's possible for pets to experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of the plant, due to non-toxic irritants like saponins. While not considered dangerously poisonous, it is advisable to prevent pets from consuming any part of the plant to avoid potential discomfort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators such as butterflies and bees, contributing to the health of local ecosystems.
- Offers aesthetic appeal with its star-shaped blue flowers and fine-textured foliage, enhancing garden design.
- Provides habitat and food for wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Drought-tolerant once established, reducing the need for frequent watering and conserving water resources.
- Non-invasive and adapts well in various soil types, allowing for ease of cultivation and maintenance.
- Seasonal interest with fall color transformation in leaves, providing visual appeal throughout multiple seasons.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Amsonia tabernaemontana, commonly known as blue star, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding subtle blue or green hues depending on the mordant used.
- In garden design, blue star is utilized for its textural contrast, particularly when its feathery foliage sways in the breeze beside bolder-leaved plants.
- It's used as a component in rain gardens due to its tolerance for wet conditions in spring and drought in summer, improving water management in landscapes.
- Blue star can be incorporated into butterfly gardens as it is a host plant to the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, helping to support biodiversity.
- Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia can be used for its autumn foliage, which turns a striking golden-yellow, enhancing the fall color palette of a garden.
- Often included in deer-resistant plantings, as its milky sap and foliage tend to be unpalatable to deer, offering a solution for gardens in deer-prone areas.
- This plant may be used in educational settings such as school gardens for teaching about native plant species and their role in local ecosystems.
- Landscape artists and photographers may seek out Amsonia tabernaemontana for its aesthetic qualities, particularly its star-shaped flowers and fall color.
- Its clumping form can be used for soil stabilization on slopes or banks, as the root systems help to control erosion.
- Because it's low maintenance and resistant to many pests, blue star is a popular choice for public landscaping in parks and along roadways where minimal maintenance is desired.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Star is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Star is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia, commonly known as the Eastern Bluestar, often symbolizes endurance due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in different conditions.
- Constancy: Its reliable blooming every year lends itself to represent constancy or steadfastness in the language of flowers.
- Patience: The Eastern Bluestar has a slow growth habit, symbolizing patience and the virtue of waiting for rewards.
WaterEastern bluestar should be watered deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. During hot or dry spells, watering frequency should increase to twice a week. Create a gentle soaking environment rather than a harsh spray, ensuring the root zone is thoroughly moistened. In general, aim for approximately 1-1.5 gallons per square foot per month, adjusting for rainfall and temperature conditions. Always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot.
LightThe Eastern bluestar thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least six hours of sunlight a day, but can also tolerate some afternoon shade. A spot that offers morning sunlight and protection from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun is ideal for the plant.
TemperatureEastern bluestar is resilient in a wide range of temperatures, capable of handling highs up to 90°F and tolerating winter cold down to 20°F. It prefers to grow in a climate where regular spring and summer temperatures range between 60°F and 85°F. While it can survive occasional temperature fluctuations, consistent conditions within its ideal range promote the best growth and flowering.
PruningPruning Eastern bluestar is mainly for shaping and to remove dead or damaged stems. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Cut back the previous year's growth to about a third to encourage a bushier plant and better flowering. Pruning can be done annually, but it's not strictly necessary every year unless the plant is outgrowing its space.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWillowleaf bluestar thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A mixture of loamy soil amended with organic material such as compost or peat moss will provide the appropriate structure and nutrition. Ensure good aeration and water drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingWillowleaf bluestar typically does not need frequent repotting; it can often be left undisturbed for several years. Check the roots every 2-3 years and repot if the plant has become root-bound or the soil has degraded.
Humidity & MistingWillowleaf bluestar tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate conditions. It does not require high humidity environments and can adapt to typical outdoor humidity fluctuations in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place willowleaf bluestar in bright indirect light with good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, well-draining soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleAmsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia, commonly known as the Eastern Bluestar, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, once germinated in early spring, develops into a seedling. The seedling stage is marked by the emergence of the first true leaves as the plant begins photosynthesizing and growing independently. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, during which it develops a robust root system and abundant foliage typical of this perennial species. The Eastern Bluestar reaches its reproductive stage in late spring to early summer, producing star-shaped blue flowers that attract pollinators and lead to the production of seed pods. After pollination, the seeds mature within the pods during summer, and once the pods dry out, the seeds are dispersed in late summer or fall. Finally, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, conserving energy to restart the cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: The Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia) is commonly propagated by seed or by division. For seed propagation, they can be sown in late fall in a cold frame or outdoor seedbed. Stratification, a process of exposing seeds to cold temperatures, is often recommended to improve germination rates. Seedlings usually emerge in the spring. However, the most popular method for propagating the Eastern Bluestar is by division. This is best done in the early spring before the plant starts its rapid spring growth or in the fall after the foliage has died back. To divide the plant, carefully dig around the plant to lift the root ball out of the ground, then gently separate the plant into sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions can be immediately replanted in prepared soil, ensuring that the root systems are well covered and the soil is kept moist until the new plants are established.
