Join / Renew / Gift Donate Shop Member Portal Language

Search
npsot_bluebonnet_full_color

Native Plant Society of Texas

Creeping Bluestar

Amsonia repens

Other common name(s):

Family:

Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

East Central Texas Plains, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Bastrop Lost Pines, Floodplains and Low Terraces2, Northern Post Oak Savanna, Northern Prairie Outliers, San Antonio Prairie, Southern Post Oak Savanna
Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Flatwoods, Floodplains and Low Terraces3, Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces, Red River Bottomlands, Southern Tertiary Uplands, Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Rich, Well Drained, Moist

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Nectar Insects

Maintenance

A low maintenance plant that tolerates a wide range of growing conditions. Drought tolerant once established. Provide a little extra water its first season. Wear gloves when pruning because the white latex in the foliage can irritate sensitive skin. Divide clumps in spring or fall if it is getting crowded.

Comments

Blooms March-May. Creeping Bluestar is an early bloomer, with sky blue flowers in a loose terminal cluster on upright stems. The stems increase in number and begin to creep further from the woody rootstock with age. The fruit is a follicle: a dry fruit that splits open along one seam when it matures and contains two or more seeds. Tiny ants have been observed on the flowers, but not necessarily where the pollen is located. Amsonia is unpalatable to deer and rabbits because of its slightly toxic latex sap.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Clump Division Dig out the plant and gently shake off the soil to reveal the roots. Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the root ball into several sections. Ensure each section has a healthy looking stem and roots. Plant each section into a well-drained, fertile soil mix and water thoroughly after planting. Wait until the plant is fully established with several stems and a well-developed root system. https://www.botanikks.com/plants/amsonia-repens-shinners/520020/1
Seed Stratification Before planting, stratify the seeds by storing them in a moistened medium such as peat moss in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks. This will help break the seeds' natural dormancy, allowing them to germinate more easily. Sow the stratified seeds in a well-drained, fertile soil mix and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Place the seed trays or pots in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight. Maintain consistent moisture, and germination should occur within 2-3 weeks. Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden, ensuring they have adequate spacing to grow. Collect the seeds in the fall once they have matured, and plant them immediately or store them in a dry, cool place until spring. 1) https://www.botanikks.com/plants/amsonia-repens-shinners/520020/1 2) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Amsonia_repens.html
Softwood Cutting Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in well-drained, fertile soil mix. Provide a humid environment by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag or cloche. Keep the soil moist and wait for roots to develop before removing the cover. Take softwood cuttings in the summer, ensuring each cutting has at least a couple of leaves. https://www.botanikks.com/plants/amsonia-repens-shinners/520020/1
Seed No Treatment Collect the seeds in the fall once they have matured, and plant them immediately https://www.botanikks.com/plants/amsonia-repens-shinners/520020/1

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason