Key Features
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low
Overview
Amsonia hubrichtii is a clump-forming perennial reaching 30–36 inches (75–90 cm) tall and 36–48 inches (90–120 cm) wide with a dense, billowing mound of extremely fine-textured foliage. Leaves are alternate, needle-like, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long and 0.04–0.08 inch (1–2 mm) wide — the narrowest foliage in the genus. The foliage mass has the visual texture of soft thread or fine hair. Terminal clusters of 5-petaled, star-shaped flowers open pale ice-blue, each 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) across, in April through May. Bloom lasts approximately 3 weeks. Fall foliage turns brilliant golden-yellow, typically persisting for 3–4 weeks in October through November. Fall color is among the most consistent and long-lasting of any native perennial and develops reliably in full sun. Stems exude milky white sap when cut. Plants expand slowly by crown growth, reaching mature width of 48 inches (120 cm) in 3 years. Clumps are exceptionally long-lived, persisting 15+ years without division. In rich soils or shade, stems flop open by midsummer, exposing the center. Self-seeding occurs modestly in open, well-drained soils. All parts contain alkaloids and are toxic if ingested. Named for Leslie Hubricht, who rediscovered the species in 1942.
Native Range
Native to a restricted range in the Ouachita Mountains of central Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. Found in rocky, gravelly streamsides and open woodland in the Ouachita and Novaculite formations. Listed as a species of conservation concern in Arkansas.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted in perennial borders, mass plantings, and native plant gardens at 30–36 inch (75–90 cm) spacing. Fine-textured foliage mass and fall color provide three-season interest. Drought tolerance and deer resistance suit low-maintenance landscapes. Not suited to rich, moist soils or shaded sites where the mounding habit collapses.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'6" - 3'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers April through May in zones 4–9. Individual clusters last 2–3 weeks. In zones 8–9, bloom begins in late March. Flowers are pale ice-blue, slightly lighter in color than A. tabernaemontana.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bright green, extremely fine-textured, needle-likeGrowing 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 a wide range of soil types from sand to clay. Full sun produces the densest habit and most consistent fall color; stems flop in shade or rich, moist conditions. If flopping occurs, shear by one-third immediately after bloom in June. No fertilization is needed. Clumps are extremely long-lived and rarely need division. Self-seeding is modest. 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, shear by one-third immediately after bloom in June; regrowth forms a dense mound by late summer. Dried stems can be left standing through winter for structural interest. No division needed for 15+ years.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerearly spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons