Rain Garden Plants: Eastern Bluestar

Forms large, multi-stemmed clumps. Has three-quarter-inch, blue star-like flowers. Has narrow, willow-like foliage that looks good all summer and turns yellow-gold in fall. Prune back to ground in early spring. Fruits are elongated and pod-like, containing hard, black seeds. Faded flowers can be pruned in summer to prevent seed development. Plant is resistant to deer browse due to toxic latex in foliage. Drought tolerant after it is established.

Height: 24–46 inches
Bloom color: Blue
Bloom time: May
Hardiness zone: 3–9
Salt tolerance: N/A
Spreading habit: Upright, clump-forming; self-seeds

Site Conditions

Sun: Sun/partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Hydrologic zones: Moist/dry; occasional flooding

Sources

Wetland Wildflowers of Illinois

North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Prepared by Jessica Chou, Jodi Sulpizio, and Constance Schmotzer.All images: Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension.