Quick answer: Eastern bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) is native to 8 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.
Where it's native
Listed in the register 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
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