Ozark bluestar
Amsonia illustris
Last reviewed: September 2026
Ozark bluestar (Amsonia illustris) is a perennial forb native to AR, IL, KS, MO and 1 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Ozark bluestar (Amsonia illustris) 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
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–36" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AR, IL, KS, MO and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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A clump-forming perennial with glossy, willow-like leaves and clusters of pale blue star-shaped flowers in spring. The foliage stays neat all season and turns clear gold in fall.
Growing Ozark bluestar
Grow Ozark bluestar in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Spring flower clusters attract bumble bees and occasional butterflies; the plant's bitter sap makes it largely deer-resistant.
Common questions
- How much sun does Ozark bluestar need?
- Ozark bluestar grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Ozark bluestar bloom?
- Ozark bluestar blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Ozark bluestar native?
- Ozark bluestar (Amsonia illustris) is native to AR, IL, KS, MO and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Ozark bluestar attract?
- Ozark bluestar draws bees and butterflies.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Ozark bluestar? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.