woodland wildflower
Fringed Bluestar
Amsonia ciliata
Also known as Bluestar, Texas Bluestar
1 of 2Native to the Southeast
North Carolina to Florida, west to Missouri and Texas
- Light Partial shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Dry Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Mar–May Flowering time
- Height up to 2 ft to 0.6 m
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A woodland wildflower for partial shade and lean, dry soil. Its blue flowers peak in April. At up to 2 ft, it suits shade gardens and woodland edges.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The Fringed Bluestar's blue flowers bloom March to May, peaking in April. This spring display draws butterflies and bees.
Fringed Bluestar blooms blueFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Butterflies Reakirt's Blue also Texas Oak Hairstreak, Mitoura gryneus
- Bees American Bumble Bee
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- Juniper hairstreaknectar
- Reakirt's bluenectar
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- The SoutheastUnited States (9): AL, AR, FL, GA, MO, NC, OK, SC, TX. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- North Carolina to Florida, west to Missouri and TexasThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Partial shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- DryThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Soil
- Well-drained, sandy loam or limestone. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Limestone-basedThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Water use
- MediumHow thirsty it is, a rough guide to how often to water.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 2 ft (to 0.6 m)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Mar–MayWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- BlueThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- ripens Apr–SepThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.