Dwarf Bluestar
Amsonia montana
A compact form of Bluestar that may simply be a
variety of Common Bluestar, A.
tabernaemontana, rather than a distinct
species. The name A. montana does not appear in any botanical treatment of the genus Amsonia but
horticulturists consider this plant distinct enough to have bestowed a
new name upon it. Bluestars are underused, low-maintenance, resilient
plants - and are reliably deer-proof as well. They produce clusters of
pale blue, star-shaped flowers that are an important nectar source for
Mourning Cloaks & other butterflies that overwinter as adults and
are on the wing early in spring. Foliage remains insect and
disease-free through the year and turns a golden color in fall.
