Amsonia, Genus, ciliata, Species,
- Genus & species
fringed bluestar
Overview
Amsonia ciliata is a clump-forming perennial reaching 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall and 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) wide with a dense, mounding habit. Leaves are alternate, linear to thread-like, 1–3 inches (2.5–8 cm) long and 0.1–0.2 inch (2–5 mm) wide, with short ciliate (fringed) hairs along the margins — the feature that gives the species its name. Foliage is narrower in texture than A. tabernaemontana but broader than the needle-like leaves of A. hubrichtii. Terminal clusters of 5-petaled, star-shaped flowers open pale blue to steel-blue, each 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) across, in April through June. Individual clusters last 2–3 weeks. Stems exude milky white sap when cut, characteristic of the Apocynaceae family. Fall foliage turns golden-yellow, typically persisting for 2–3 weeks in October. Plants expand slowly by crown expansion, reaching mature size in 3 years. Clumps are long-lived, persisting for 10+ years without division. In rich, moist soils or excessive shade, stems flop open at the center by midsummer. All parts contain alkaloids and are toxic if ingested.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern United States, found from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas. Grows in sandy soils, pine flatwoods, dry prairies, and open woodlands at 100–1,500 feet (30–450 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted in perennial borders, native plant gardens, and dry-site plantings at 24–30 inch (60–75 cm) spacing. Thread-like foliage contrasts with bold-leaved companions. Drought tolerance and deer resistance suit low-maintenance landscapes. Not suited to rich, moist soils or shaded sites where stems flop.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowers April through June in zones 5–9. Individual flower clusters last 2–3 weeks; total bloom period extends about 3 weeks. In zones 8–9, bloom begins in late March. Bloom timing overlaps with late tulips and early perennials.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale blue to steel-blueFoliage Description
Medium green, thread-like, linear, with ciliate (fringed) marginsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants tolerate prolonged drought and heat — native to sandy, dry soils in the southeastern US. Stem flopping occurs in rich, moist soils or shade; full sun and lean soils produce the most compact habit. If stems flop, cut back by one-third immediately after bloom to encourage denser regrowth. No fertilization is needed; excess fertility promotes rank growth. Clumps are long-lived and rarely need division. All parts are toxic if ingested.Pruning
Cut all stems to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in late winter (March) before new growth. If stems flop in midsummer, shear by one-third immediately after bloom in June to promote compact regrowth. No other pruning required. Clumps rarely need division.Pruning Schedule
Prune: March & June
summerearly spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
