Amsonia tabernaemontana Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Amsonia tabernaemontana Walt. – Blue Star

Amsonia tabernaemontana plant

FamilyApocyanceae

Stems:

N/A

Leaves:

Amsonia tabernaemontana leaves

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Amsonia tabernaemontana  flowers

Amsonia tabernaemontana calyxCalyx.

Flowering – April – May.

Habitat – Rich woods, bottomlands, wooded slopes, bluffs.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This striking species is fairly common in Alabama. The plant is easy to grow and would make a great garden subject. Plants growing in ideal conditions can form large clumps.
Like many members of the Apocynaceae this plant bleeds a milky sap when injured.
The genus is named for Dr. Charles Amson, who lived in Virginia in the 18th century.

Alabama Distribution:

Amsonia tabernaemontana map

Photographs taken in the Mark Twain National Forest, Taney County, MO., 4-29-00.