Amsonia Hubrechtii 'Arkansas Blue Star' is a fine textured perennial prized for its feathery needle like foliage that turns brilliant golden yellow in fall. Its soft blue star shaped flowers emerge in spring attracting early pollinators and offering contrast to its airy green leaves. The mounded form and drought tolerance make it a standout in naturalistic plantings and low maintenance borders.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 36 - 48 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Well drained average to sandy soils
Watering Needs: Low once established; tolerates occasional drought
Deer Resistance: Foliage is unpalatable to deer and rabbits
Native Status
Amsonia hubrichtii is native to the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas and is well adapted to dry rocky slopes and open woodlands of the south central U.S.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Early blooming flowers provide nectar and pollen for mining bees, bumblebees, and small carpenter bees in spring.
Butterflies
- Attracts spring flying butterflies such as Eastern Tailed Blues and Swallowtails seeking early nectar sources.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports parasitic wasps and lacewings that shelter in dense summer foliage and help control aphids and other pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 24 - 36 in apart to allow the clumps to develop their natural fountain like form.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent in prairie gardens, mixed perennial borders, and mass plantings where its fall color can shine.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Blue green blades echo Amsonia’s tone and turn reddish bronze in fall.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Fine foliage and yellow flowers mirror Amsonia’s texture and seasonal bloom overlap.
- Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' - Upright switchgrass structure complements the soft texture of Amsonia and extends seasonal interest.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Spiky violet blooms pair well with the airy blue flowers and fine leaves of Amsonia.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' - Broad daisy flowers echo the rounded mound of blue star while adding summer color.