Amsonia illustris, commonly known as Ozark Bluestar, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the central United States, particularly thriving in moist meadows, prairie-like settings, and along stream banks. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant features narrow, lance-shaped leaves that turn a striking yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest. In late spring to early summer, clusters of small, star-shaped, pale blue flowers bloom, providing a soft, subtle display of color.

Ozark Bluestar is valued for its low maintenance requirements, drought tolerance once established, and the charming blue flowers that attract pollinators such as butterflies. It is often used in borders, native plant gardens, and as part of naturalistic plantings. For optimal growth, it prefers full sun to part shade and adapts to a variety of soil types, though it performs best in soils with medium moisture and good drainage. While generally pest and disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from rust or leaf spots. Amsonia illustris is not known for aggressive roots or significant invasiveness issues, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0