// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Ozark bluestar

Amsonia illustris

Ozark bluestar (Amsonia illustris) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–10a. Mature size 6"–3'. Blooms Mar–May.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to AR, KS, MO, OK, TX
USDA hardiness: Zones 5a–10a
Mature size: 6"–3'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Bloom: Mar–May
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Ozark bluestar (Amsonia illustris) — *Amsonia illustris* — Ozark bluestar. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Nathan Aaron, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Ozark bluestar (Amsonia illustris) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–10a. Mature size 6"–3'. Blooms Mar–May.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, ozark bluestar pairs naturally with: American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea), Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium).