Southwest Plant of the Month – Blue Star – Amsonia spp.

Plant Form: Flower
Plant Size : 2′ x 1′
Plant Type : Perennial
Water Usage: Low
Sunlight: Sun, Partial Shade
Colors: Blue, White

Physical Description:  Mounds of willowy leaves and wiry stems topped  by star-shaped, white to light blue flowers in spring.  Can spread by root stolons.

Care and Maintenance:  Avoid overwatering. Dies back to hardy roots in  winter. Difficult to locate seed or plant source.

Gardener’s notes:  Several attractive native species,  including A. longiflora, A. palmeri, A. ciliata and sand-loving A. arenaria.

Southwest Plant of the Month material courtesy of NMSU ACES http://desertblooms.nmsu.edu/plantadvisor/