Quick answer: Eastern bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) is native to 18 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: A. Barra, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Wet |
| Soil | Wet to moist, sandy soils |
| Bloom | Mar-May |
| Height | Up to 3 ft |
| Wildlife value | Conspicuous flowers attract pollinators |
none noted (page notes genus name derives from Greek for "noxious to dogs" and describes plant as "distasteful")
Naturalized as far northeast as Massachusetts — not formally regulated.
Lookalike alert
Most plants sold under this name is a bred variety or cultivar, not the wild species.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Eastern bluestar
Where is Eastern bluestar native?
Eastern bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) is native to 18 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Eastern bluestar bloom?
Eastern bluestar blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Eastern bluestar need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Wet. Soil: Wet to moist, sandy soils. Mature height: Up to 3 ft.
Is Eastern bluestar good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Conspicuous flowers attract pollinators.
Is Eastern bluestar deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Eastern bluestar is deer-resistant, tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Is Eastern bluestar toxic?
none noted (page notes genus name derives from Greek for "noxious to dogs" and describes plant as "distasteful").
Where can I buy real Eastern bluestar seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Be aware that some sellers offer bred varieties under this name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Eastern bluestar.
- Swamp sunflower Helianthus angustifolius
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Mountain azalea Rhododendron canescens
- Inland sea oats Chasmanthium latifolium
- Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis
- Hollow Joe-pye weed Eutrochium fistulosum
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.