Perennials

Amsonia ciliata

Fringed Bluestar

ApocynaceaeSoutheastern United States

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Width24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Container Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low

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 fine ciliate (fringed) hairs along the margins — the feature that gives this species its name. Foliage is finer-textured than A. tabernaemontana but coarser 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. Fine-textured 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

Distinguished from A. hubrichtii by slightly wider leaves (2–5 mm vs. 1–2 mm) with visible ciliate (fringed) hairs along the margins — examine leaf edges with a hand lens to confirm. Compared to A. tabernaemontana, leaves are much narrower and more fine-textured. Compared to A. illustris, leaves lack the glossy surface sheen. Milky sap exudes from cut stems. Five-petaled, pale blue star-shaped flowers in terminal clusters.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

gold
yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
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-blue

Foliage Description

Medium green, fine-textured, linear to thread-like with ciliate (fringed) margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
sandloamrocky
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

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; plant in full sun and lean soils for 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

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summerearly spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans