When does Eastern Bluestar bloom?

Eastern Bluestar blooms from March through May, producing clusters of pale blue star-shaped flowers.

What pollinators visit Amsonia tabernaemontana?

Eastern Bluestar attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers.

Where is Eastern Bluestar native?

This species is native to 22 states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia among others.

What growing conditions does Eastern Bluestar prefer?

Amsonia tabernaemontana grows best in full sun to partial sun with consistently moist to wet soil conditions.

Is Eastern Bluestar HOA-friendly?

Eastern Bluestar is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Eastern Bluestar

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Amsonia tabernaemontana

Last reviewed: July 2026

Amsonia tabernaemontana is a native perennial wildflower producing clusters of pale blue star-shaped flowers from March through May across the southeastern and south-central United States.

Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) — Photo: (c) John B., some rights reserved (CC BY)

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

9"–12" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 15 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, hummingbirds

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 383 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Eastern Bluestar produces clusters of pale blue, star-shaped flowers in spring, followed by attractive narrow leaves that turn golden yellow in fall. This compact perennial forms neat clumps and maintains a tidy appearance throughout the growing season.

Growing Eastern Bluestar

Grow Eastern Bluestar in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 9 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Eastern 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 flowers attract butterflies, bees, and occasionally hummingbirds. The plant serves as a host for sphinx moth caterpillars.

Common questions

When does Eastern Bluestar bloom?: Eastern Bluestar blooms from March through May, producing clusters of pale blue star-shaped flowers.
What pollinators visit Amsonia tabernaemontana?: Eastern Bluestar attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers.
Where is Eastern Bluestar native?: This species is native to 22 states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia among others.
What growing conditions does Eastern Bluestar prefer?: Amsonia tabernaemontana grows best in full sun to partial sun with consistently moist to wet soil conditions.
Is Eastern Bluestar HOA-friendly?: Eastern Bluestar is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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