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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)

Moist, Rich, Well Drained

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Grassland

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. Native habitat: prairies,

Description

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

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason