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Creeping Bluestar

Amsonia repens

Last reviewed: October 2026

Creeping Bluestar (Amsonia repens)
Photo: (c) Brian Finzel, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

Toxicity unknown

Creeping Bluestar (Amsonia repens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

OK, TX

Pollinators

nectar insects

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Creeping Bluestar is a compact native perennial that produces clusters of small, star-shaped blue flowers in spring. The plant forms neat mounds with narrow leaves that turn golden yellow in fall, providing excellent seasonal interest.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Creeping Bluestar is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The spring blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects seeking nectar. The plant also serves as a host for some native moth species.

Common questions

How much sun does Creeping Bluestar need?
Creeping Bluestar grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Creeping Bluestar bloom?
Creeping Bluestar blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Creeping Bluestar native?
Creeping Bluestar (Amsonia repens) is native to OK, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Creeping Bluestar attract?
Creeping Bluestar draws nectar insects.
Is Creeping Bluestar HOA-friendly?
Creeping Bluestar is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Creeping Bluestar? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.