Amsonia, Butterscotch #1

Butterscotch Amsonia (Bluestar)

Amsonia 'Butterscotch'

Height: 24-36in
Spread: 24-36in
Zone: 5-8
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Time/Color: April-May; light blue
Uses: Specimen, rock gardens, massing
Maintenance: Low
Other: Fall color, deer resistant, clay soil tolerant

Commonly called threadleaf bluestar, amsonia is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the Ouachita Mountains in central Arkansas. It is very similar in appearance to the Missouri native Amsonia ciliata, except the leaves of A. hubrichtii are more narrow and thread-like and the emerging foliage lacks conspicuous hairiness. An erect, clump-forming plant that is primarily grown in cultivation for its blue spring flowers, feathery green summer foliage and golden fall color. Powdery blue, 1/2" star-like flowers appear in terminal clusters in late spring atop stems rising to 3' tall. Feathery, soft-textured, needle-like, alternate leaves are bright green in spring and summer, but turn bright gold in autumn. Stems and leaves produce a milky latex when cut or torn which protects the plant from herbivory. The blooms are attractive to butterflies and other insect pollinators.

BUTTERSCOTCH is more or less similar to the species but features an overall improved form, slightly reddish tinged stems, and vibrant yellow-orange fall color.

**Fall color photo courtesy of Park Seed**